Now, I don't know about in the old days in Nepal or India, but Thailand sure knows how to throw Buddha a party. They call it the "Ghost Festival" or "Pee Tha Kon" in Thai. Everyone dresses up in intricately painted masks made of rice baskets and wood, with matching outlandish costumes.
ghosts in the streets of dansai |
too much poking. awkward. |
During the parade, there were also a few groups of men dressed in blackface - extremely bizarre and offensive, but given the amount of racism in Thai culture, not surprising. (Again, Thai sense of humor is a little off at times, and I found no real reason for these groups to be included in the celebration) I feel weird about posting these pictures, but I also feel it necessary ?
ummm this is okay? |
This ghost-man wanted his pic with the falang, and the falang wanted a pic with the ghost man. Win-win |
Overall, another enchanting weekend of colors and celebration in Amazing Thailand. While I certainly learned a lot about this Buddhist holiday and the culture of Isaan, the intrigue lies in that I always leave these festivals with more questions than I came with...
**Phalluses or lingam are prevalent in Thai culture, blending together a few different religious customs (In Hinduism, it represents Shiva), but typically symbolizes fertility or power. How this was particularly relevant in this festival wasn't exactly clear. But hey, why not.
**Phalluses or lingam are prevalent in Thai culture, blending together a few different religious customs (In Hinduism, it represents Shiva), but typically symbolizes fertility or power. How this was particularly relevant in this festival wasn't exactly clear. But hey, why not.
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