Buddhists have been presenting
candles to monks for thousands of years during Khao Phansa.
Warunya Thongrod
Long before Pattaya Beach became an international tourist resort,
back when rice paddies outnumbered streets, Thailand’s farmers didn’t want
monks trampling their crops. So, for three months, priests stayed inside
their temples and the tradition of Buddhist Lent candles was born.
At the start of Lent, or Khao Phansa, villagers made merit by supplying
monks with food, sweets and other offerings. Giving candles, lanterns and
lights was deemed especially important, as it was believed they provided
monks with illumination physically and spiritually.
The tradition continues today, with candle contests and parades highlighting
the start of each year’s “rains retreat.”
Pisan Jariyaphiwat, abbot of Chaimongkol Temple and head of the Naklua
monk’s committee, said about 2,000 followers turned out this year to make
merit by offering robes, candles and - in a nod to today’s high-tech society
- neon light bulbs.
Temples light the candles in their sermon halls for
prayers, Pisan explained. Among the most-honored gifts this year, he said,
were candles donated by HRH Princess Ubolratana.
The decoration of lent candles is believed to have started with Phra Auruth,
a disciple of Lord Buddha who was wise, intelligent, and clear on all dharma
principles. Followers retained the tradition, believing it would bring merit
for oneself while building intelligence in this life and the next.
The giver would experience prosperity, pride, dignity, progress, and
problems in one’s life would be solved through the merit making, including
being loved by one’s friends and co-workers.
