Thaa Yai

Today the yearly "Thaa Yai" occurred.

Thaa Yai is a Thai tradition which is celebrated throughout Thailand, but under different names and sometimes also on different dates.

What it is, is that the deceased people are welcomed back again to share time with the living. This is done by offering plenty of food to the deceased.

It's usually an occasion where the whole village participates in, so Wat Plai Laem is packed to the rafters with locals, offering loads of food to the deceased.

Since it's starts really early, like 4 or 5 am, I don't go out each year to participate and especially since my wife had to work today, it was a good excuse for me for not having to attend. However, here are some pix from 2 years ago.


Offerings are also made to the Monks, as each celebration or event in the Temple involves the Monks. They play a vital role in all day live in Thais communities and in general in the whole region, as can be witnessed in Burma (Myanmar) right now.

This picture gives you an idea of the copious amounts of food that are being offered to the deceased, this picture only shows about a third of the total amount of food being offered. Luckily for the living, they get to eat it after all ceremonies are completed.

More food being offered, displayed on long rows of tables with loads of locals visiting and participating.

This picture gives an idea how many people participate, young and old gather together to celebrate Thaa Yai each year. It's full moon today as well, the best day to celebrate these kind of ceremonies. A month from now, next full moon, the deceased are being waved off again, until next year.

Picture of food samples, being offered during Thaa Yai.

Picture of food samples, being offered during Thaa Yai.

Thaa Yai is a tradition within my wife's family and everybody participates in either buying or cooking food for Thaa Yai.

Until next year, for another Thaa Yai,

Camille

PS Shouts to Guano Island, who mentioned my blog a few times. Hope you'll be able to visit Thailand soon!