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Poy Sang Long is a ritual for boys aged 7 to 14, engaging in the sacred 'Buddhist gateway' ceremonies, cultivating virtue to honor their fathers.
Ceremony of 'Buddhist Gateway' by Flower-like Boys in Thailand
Poy Sang Long is regarded as the holy ceremony of the Shan people, primarily residing in Myanmar, China, Laos, and Thailand.
This is an annual festive occasion, each time lasting from 3 days to 1 week.
During this event, boys aged 7 to 14 will perform the 'Buddhist gateway' rituals, cultivating virtue to honor their parents.
These photos were taken in Mae Hong Son, Thailand. The ceremony commences with hair cutting and head shaving.
The young boys are bathed, dressed in pristine pants, seated on low stools, holding lotus leaves or toy guns to catch the falling hair.
Family members or monks will perform the hair-cutting for the boys.
This ritual of the Poy Sang Long ceremony aims to recreate the childhood of Siddhārtha Gautama (Gotama Buddha), who lived between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, laying the foundation for the formation of Buddhism.
After the hair is cleanly shaved, these boys are bathed once again with fragrant water, infused with flowers and herbs.
Their heads will then be adorned with a layer of thanaka tree powder. This powder, a common cosmetic among Shan women, is used for sun protection and anti-inflammatory purposes.
Subsequently, these boys will be beautifully adorned, wearing royal robes and floral hats, reenacting the regal life of Siddhārtha Gautama.
Fathers carry their sons on their backs to participate in the procession on the second day. The procession moves under yellow umbrellas adorned with rice grains and flowers.
Since donning this special attire, the boys are in a 'divine' state and are forbidden to let their feet touch the ground.
A chosen boy participating in the ceremony signifies the commencement of becoming a part of the Buddha's family, a great honor for the entire family.
These boys will wear this distinctive attire throughout the days of the ceremony.
On the third day, the 'princes of the Buddha's family' will continue to be carried on their fathers' shoulders to pray for their loved ones.
In the photo are 3 boys: Phuwadol Kong Tawan (left), 11 years old, Gorsak Kong Tawan (center), 13 years old, and Danusorn Sdisaithaworn, 10 years old, praying in front of a relative's stall at the market.
Danusorn Sdisaithaworn, 10 years old, captures a portrait during a visit to offer prayers at a relative's home.
After concluding the Poy Sang Long ceremony, these boys will wear the attire of monks, residing in the temple for about 1 – 2 months to study Buddhist scriptures and cultivate virtue.
Subsequently, they will return to the ordinary life of a regular citizen.
According to Minh Hai/Tuoi Tre
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Explore: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourMay 18, 2018
