People attending the wax castle procession at the That Luang stupa. - Lao News Agency
VIENTIANE: Hundreds of devotees bearing bright yellow waxen pyramids lined up to present them at the That Luang stupa on Thursday (Nov 14), in an age-old tradition held to revere Laos’ most important Buddhist monument.
This is the most colourful event of the annual five-day That Luang festival and sees worshippers don their finest clothes as they respectfully carry their ornately decorated offerings to the stupa.
The offerings, known as phasatpheung, are assembled from carefully crafted pieces of molten wax and are traditionally used to pay homage to Lord Buddha and the That Luang stupa.
They typically measure about one metre in height and are formed around wood scraps or banana stems and decorated with flowers, incense sticks, and strings of banknotes.
The offering of so-called wax castles to the Buddha and at sacred sites is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation and is an essential part of all Lao Buddhist rituals.
The That Luang stupa was originally built in the 3rd century, when the city of Vientiane was established, to house some bones that were believed to be those of Lord Buddha.
Each year during the festival, the solemn procession starts at Simeuang temple, which was built during the reign of Chao Xaysettha, and contains Vientiane’s founding pillar, making it one of the most important sites in the city.
Residents of the city’s nine districts then gather at Nongbon temple before processing to the That Luang stupa.
The parade includes dancers, drummers and singers and is led by monks and senior government officials. They are followed by performers from various ethnic groups who are dressed in traditional costume.
A wax castle is considered a very worthy offering to the Buddha, and those bearing them walk three times around the main temple building, led by monks softly chanting prayers.
The first circumambulation honours the Buddha, the second honours his teachings, and the third honours his followers.
The procession attracts hundreds of onlookers, including foreign tourists eager to observe this unique spectacle.
Describing the procession, a local resident said “The making of ornate wax pyramids has been a part of Lao life for many years. Lao Buddhists believe they will earn merit by making such an offering, meaning they could live in a castle in paradise after their death or have a better life if reborn.” - Vientiane Times/ANN
