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Every year, many people
in Thailand with Chinese ancestors, celebrate the Chinese New
Year with elaborate ceremonies. The Year of the Horse, started
on Tuesday 12th February 2002. About 10% of our students were
absent from class for several days during this period and the
sound of fire crackers could be heard often as people made offerings
at different locations all over Samut Prakarn city. The following
pictures are of one such ceremony at our school.
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The splendid banquet above was not prepared
for school lunch but rather for teachers of Chinese origin to
pay respect to Chinese deities and their ancestors so that they
will receive blessings in return. (right): the school administrator
makes an offering. |
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The offerings include steamed duck, chicken,
pork, fruit, Chinese cake and vegetarian food such as dried mushrooms,
bean cakes and edible Chinese flowers. |
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Paper gold and money Paper money, clothes and gold are also offered
to the ancestors. |
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Towards the close of the ceremony, all of
the paper offerings were burnt. Then some firecrackers were lit. |
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