Join me, Vivi, in my trip around the world! This 'episode' we take a step back from my usual vlogs and document the journey Gae takes as he completes the ritual of entering the monkhood.

In the village just outside of Sa Kaeo in Thailand where my Dad and Stepmum live, a man entering the monkhood is a celebration that brings everyone in the village together.
To enter the monkhood brings luck and pride to your family, especially for the women in the family who are unable to become a monk. Whether it is for a short time or a long time, when ready, often for at least one time in his life a Thai man will become a monk.
We join Gae and his family at his home where the celebrations begin, a feast is being prepared as everyone takes turns cutting Gae's hair, where it is placed in a banana leaf to be buried beneath a banana tree. Afterwards his hair is closely shaved, along with his eyebrows, afterwards he is washed with water infused with scented oils. His head is then covered in powder and he changes into his white robes. The feast is then enjoyed and everyone will tie a string to his wrists to give him luck in his venture.

The following morning we meet Gae again at a large temple in town, the temple he will be living at is quite small and so the ordination is held at a larger temple. The village comes together to dance and celebrate before following Gae as he walks barefoot around the temple 3 times, throwing coins and candies to the crowd. He enters the temple, being lifted to tap the door frame 3 times, as you can see the number 3 is quite important. Doing things 3 times represent the three 'jewels' in Buddhism; 1. The Buddha, 2.The teachings & 3.The followers.
Inside the Temple Gae is ordained by the monks, this involves him repeating/reciting prayers, pledging and promising to live in the ways of a monk. Gae is then given his robes which he changes into, afterwards collecting his Alms basket from his parents, which he will use to collect food donations. Gae also receives a bag which he collects financial donations with as he leaves the temple.
A feast will follow before he leaves to the temple he will be living in for the next 2 weeks.

Special thanks go out to Gae and his family for allowing me to film this special event in his life, for Kratae and Damien for translating/explaining the events and for everyone in the community that embraced my attendance!

If you are ever invited to watch someone enter the monkhood I highly recommend you attend this spiritual celebration.

I hope everyone enjoyed this video, it was great fun making a documentary style episode and I hope to make more on these travels, be sure to subscribe for more vlogs and documentaries to come!

Music Used;
Clean Break by Density & Time (Available on the youtube audio library)
Ekkamai by Vivi & Monkhood by Vivi (featuring recordings from Gae's ceremony)

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