Becoming a Monk

Anyone that has been to Thailand has probably seen their share of monks, and if you haven't been here you've almost certainly seen the pictures. But, I was fortunate enough to get to experience something that a lot of farang won't see in a typical day here - a young man's ceremony for becoming a monk.

This isn't some rare event or anything, in fact most young men here become a monk for a period of time... 7 days sounds to be the norm for those that aren't doing it long-term... but it is a big celebration and you might find that entire villages attend these events, regardless of how close they are to the family. There's lots of people, lots of food, lots of praying and chanting, and in the end there is one more monk.

The day started with the shaving of the head. At first family members are cutting off locks of hair with scissors, and eventually a "pro" is called in to do the actual shaving. And yes, all the hair on the head has to go... including the eyebrows.




Meanwhile, lots of praying going on in the chapels as well...



In the afternoon the actual ceremony began. The soon-to-be monk is dressed up in white robes, and paraded around the chapel three times. The women and children were all dancing and hollering... it was quite a sight.





There are a couple more formalities, then everyone heads into the chapel. There was a lot of memorized recitation and praying... and then without too much celebrating it was over. The family posed for a few pictures and everyone went home and the new monk began his service. Come to think of it, I believe today would be his last day there. I'll have to check in and see how he did.