The dates of some festivals are determined by the lunar calendar, as Easter is in the West, so the actual dates vary from year to year.
Makha Buja takes place in February on the night of the full moon of the third moon month, and commemorates the occasion when the Buddha's disciples gathered spontaneously to hear him. There are candlelight processes around the temple and people offer the monks.
Visakha Buja is the full moon night of the sixth moon month (May), and the Lord indicates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Celebrations take place in churches.
Asanha Bucha commemorates the occasion when Lord Buddha caves his first sermon in Benares and founded the Buddhist order of the monks. It falls to the full moon of the eighth moon month.
The Next Day is Wan Khao Pansa. This is the beginning of the Buddhist prison (Pansa) when the monks stay for three months within the boundaries of the temple and meditation participating in prayer. Many young men are assigned to this period, which coincides with the rainy season.
Wan OK Pansa marks the end of the Buddhist prison. The monks can leave monasteries and host men who temporarily return to their normal lives.
Tod Kathin is the end of the rainy season, celebrated by the processes around the temples and fairs. People visit churches in their homes or villages and find it worthwhile to help a poor church in the poor part of the country. Coming to the temple, believers give the monks a new cloak, pillow, food and money. One of the great sights of the Kathin season was the royal barge test along the Chao Phraya River, which is rarely carried out these days.
The Brahmin Effect
Brahminism, the forerunner of Hinduism, is another strong religious influence, especially at the court ceremony following the practice of the Khmer Imperial Court. One of the greatest ceremonies of the Thai year is the royal plow ceremony, an ancient Brahman ritual that marks the beginning of the rice season. This is in a park in Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace on May 6, with the King's President. River deities or spirits are honored at the magnificent Loi Kratong celebration, which takes place in the eleventh month (usually November). It's a Brahman festival. Lotus-like, traditionally banana-leaf candle-lit ships float on rivers, canals and lakes across the country. In this way, Thais apologized for all the trouble he caused for the spirits. Brahmins are astrologers and consult in good times to start a new venture, such as marriage, starting a new business, or engaging in a new church.
Thai Buddhism, as practiced, is not devastating Buddhism. At the same time it exists with other, previously, anistic beliefs, such as the unpredictable and often malicious supernatural forces. These spirits must be put away from the fear of causing a household misfortune. When Thais builds a house, hotel or other building, he feels obliged to respect the spirit of the guardian of the land on which he is located. Therefore, a special spiritual house is built, which is often a form of miniature temple sitting on top of a stand. People come to the sanctuary, kneel in front of them, and candles and candles in honor of the beads. Many Thais also wear amulets to protect against evil, which may be the image of Lord Buddha or a monk.
Source by Shiroona Lomponi