Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani Today

History and Origins

In the period of retreat of the rainy season, called Khao Phansa (Thai: เข้าพรรษา), Buddhist monks had to stay at the local temple and habitual. They were not allowed to stay in other temples at night because the rain started planting season for rice and crops if they walked on, these were lost. When the monks left to travel during this period, studying the Dharma.

In the past, when there was electricity, used to light the candles as they read. When it was known by local people, it made candles to present at the temple, especially on the first day of Khao Phansa.

Khao Phansa period beginning on the first day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, from July until the day of Ork Phansa (Thai: ออกพรรษา) which was the first day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar. Gift candles to the monks on the day of Khao Phansa is already part of the Buddhist tradition that began long ago and has continued until now.

Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani today

At first, it was traditional to donate items for the monks. Candles illuminated the parish house of Buddhist monks and other sites templo.En the past when it was impossible to go buy candles ready, the neighbors used beeswax. The candles made to Buddhist monks in the past, did not include the parade which takes place today.

The procession and competition of candles that are made now in Ubon Ratchathani, came during the reign of King Rama V. Since then was and is the most important event in the village, it is the one with the greatest number of participants residents and tourists. Candles giant parade around the city, each time representing a site, district or other item.

Versions of the more elaborate candles accompanied by scenes of Hindu and Buddhist mythology, carved in wood or plaster and covered with wax. These candles have never been burnt and are carved two days before the procession.



Source: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival_de_las_Velas_de_Ubon_Ratchathani


See Also: Sending Flowers, Online Florist, Florist