Thailand, Chiang Mai, Poi Sang Long is the ordination ceremony for Shan boys to become novice Buddhist monks in Thailand. It is expected that every male will ordain as a monk at least once in his life. The entire ceremony last 3-4 days and relates directly to the life story of the Buddha who was once a prince in northern India and rejected his privileged royal lifestyle in favour of a humble existence seeking only inner enlightenment. After their heads are shaved the boys become crystal sons dressed only in white. This is followed by a period of 3 days when they dress elaborately and lavishly like the princes of old India. During that time they are pandered and catered to in the style of a prince. They are even carried about on the shoulders of family or friends so that their feet do not touch the ground. 
Photo Martin F. Johnston / Eye Ubiquitous
Caption

Thailand, Chiang Mai, Poi Sang Long is the ordination ceremony for Shan boys to become novice Buddhist monks in Thailand. It is expected that every male will ordain as a monk at least once in his life. The entire ceremony last 3-4 days and relates directly to the life story of the Buddha who was once a prince in northern India and rejected his privileged royal lifestyle in favour of a humble existence seeking only inner enlightenment. After their heads are shaved the boys become crystal sons dressed only in white. This is followed by a period of 3 days when they dress elaborately and lavishly like the princes of old India. During that time they are pandered and catered to in the style of a prince. They are even carried about on the shoulders of family or friends so that their feet do not touch the ground.
Photo Martin F. Johnston / Eye Ubiquitous

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© Marty Johnston / Eye Ubiquitous

Date

Mar 26, 2011

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Photo12/Eye Ubiquitous

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UQS14A00_262

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