Poi Sang Long ceremony in Mae Hong Son - Day 3

The three day Poi Sang Long ceremony traces its origins back to Buddhist legend which tells the tale of Prince Rahula, the son of Buddha, who gave up his worldly possessions to follow his fathers teachings and who became the first novice Buddhist monk and youngest ordained Buddhist monk 2,535 years ago.

Practised by the Shan people of Burma and Northern Thailand, Poi Sang Long means Festival (of the) Crystal Sons and is a rite of passage ceremony undergone by boys between seven and 14 years of age.

One of the largest and most colourful Poi Sang Long ceremony is held each year in the Northern Thailand city of Mae Hong Son (province [of the] three mists early in April.

It is believed that by participating in the Poi Sang Long ceremony and joining the monkhood the boys will gain merit for their parents.

More can be found on the Poi Sang Long ceremony in Mae Hong Son here: http://photojourn.wordpress.com/2008/04/06/poi-sang-long-ceremony-follows-sha...

Field edited news footage.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Buddhism festivals
• Mae Hong Son
• Northern Thailand
• Poi Sang Long ceremony
• Religious festivals
• Shan hill tribe
• Thailand
• Thailand Festivals
• Thailand tourism
• Thailand travel
• Tourism/travel industry