Buddhist Lent in Nong Khai and Ho Kham

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I was surprised to find out the first Friday that we had a four day weekend. It was Buddhist lent and the school was in Chaos getting ready for the ceremony that would take place after school. We walked around the entire village with several huge candles in the back of pickup trucks. We then all went to the temple for chanting and prayer. Here the monks splashed water on the kids as they went by after the ceremony.

The next day I stayed in Nong Khai. There were a few things I needed, including a break. I came to find that they also had a large candle festival. I went with Nic (Thai) and Juan (Columbian.

It is more a festival of Thai women and Lady Boys (men who dress as women is openly accepted in this society), rather than candles. The festival is actually a parade. They did traditional dancing and wore the traditional dress. We watched them parade around and then visited the main temple in Nong Khai. Nic had been a monk for 2 years so he knew all of the details.

I will let the pictures tell the rest.

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Photos

Two Thai Girls
For some reason or another they do not smile. The adult with them saw me with my camera and motioned for me to take a picture of the girls.

Three Thai Girls
Well, are they all girls???

The Gaurdians
These Dragons are hand made out of leaves and then painted.

The Buddha
On his Float

Student with a "Monk Basket"
Yes. That is what they are really called.

Monks at Ceremony
In HO Kham

Comments

[mom]

WOW!!
Rebekah, you are amazing and so focused! I love reading your bloggs and can't wait to see you in 13days! Love You mom