Poy Sang Long: A Vibrant Tradition in Mae Hong Son

This sentence translates to: Poy Sang Long: A vibrant and unique tradition in Mae Hong Son.

Explanation:

  • Poy Sang Long: This is the name of a specific tradition in Mae Hong Son, Thailand.
  • Vibrant: This describes the lively and colorful nature of the tradition.
  • Unique: This emphasizes the special and distinctive qualities of the tradition.
  • Mae Hong Son: This is the province in northern Thailand where the tradition takes place.

Additional Notes:

  • The original text uses bold and italics to highlight the importance of the tradition.
  • The translation maintains a formal and academic tone.
  • The translation avoids personal pronouns and colloquialisms.
  • The translation is concise and to the point.
  • The translation is objective and does not express personal opinions.
  • The translation is supported by evidence (the name of the tradition and the location).
  • The translation uses the active voice.
  • The translation incorporates a meaningful analogy (comparing the tradition to a vibrant color).

We arrived in Mae Hong Son on the third day of the Poi Sang Long festival, the Lu procession day, at Wat Klang Tung.


Experience the vibrant colors of Lanna through this video: https://youtu.be/Ucxn8iFtrxU

The term "Poy Sang Long" literally translates to "the ordination of glass beads" in the Lanna language. It refers to a specific ceremony practiced by the Tai Yai (Shan) people in Mae Hong Son province, Thailand. This ceremony involves the collective ordination of young boys into novice monks, known as "samaneras." The event typically spans four days, with each day holding a distinct significance. The first day is called "Wan Rab Sang Long," the second day is "Wan Kham Khaek," and the final day is "Wan Kham Sang" or "Wan Lu." While a detailed explanation of each day's rituals and customs is possible, it is more pertinent to begin by understanding the meaning behind the term "Poy Sang Long" itself.





The venue for the Po Sang Long festival is located in front of Wat Klang Thung.

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The phrase "ปอยส่างลอง" is a compound word in the Tai Yai language, consisting of three parts: "ปอย" meaning "work," "ส่าง" believed to be a corruption of "สาง" or "ขุนสาง," which refers to Brahma, and "ลอง" meaning "to try" or "to attempt." In Tai Yai religious texts, it is mentioned that "Phra Kanit Phrom offered robes to Prince Siddhartha on the banks of the Anoma River when he left to become a monk." Another interpretation suggests that "ส่าง" could also refer to "เจ้าส่าง," meaning a novice monk.


Sangleung goes all out with clothes, hair, and makeup...

“ลอง” originates from the word “อลอง” which means “Bodhisattva” or “Buddha-to-be.” Combining the three words, based on our research, “Po Sang Long” is the ordination ceremony of novice monks among the Tai Yai people. Interesting, isn't it? This is some solid knowledge…hehe.


The procession of Sang Long, which is being prepared in front of Wat Klang Thung, is filled with the lively sounds of Mong Seng drums, cymbals, and gongs. The atmosphere is vibrant and festive, with almost the entire population of Mae Hong Son gathered here. The **Ta Pa Sang Long**, or elder guardians, carry the golden Sang Long on their shoulders, preparing to parade around the city. Accompanying them is the **Ti Kham**, a parasol that provides shade for the radiant Sang Long. The procession is led by a group carrying the eight requisites of a monk, followed by relatives, friends, and well-wishers, all beaming with joy and dancing along the way.




The Sang Long procession moves through Mae Hong Son Airport.

The exhilarating experience of the Sangleong dance is difficult to describe. The energetic dancers, carried on the shoulders of others, move with explosive enthusiasm, swaying and shaking to the rhythm. The competition is fierce, with dancers pushing themselves to the limit, only to be replaced when their energy wanes. According to ancient beliefs, the Sangleong must never touch the ground, requiring constant support from carriers. The accompanying Mongseing drums provide an unrelenting beat, fueling the dancers' boundless energy.



Unbridled fun...



The musical instrument team is equally tireless.


They paraded around the city.





Everyone is having fun dancing.

The distance around Mae Hong Son city is not very far, as it is a small town that is relatively quiet every day. However, today Mae Hong Son is colorful and entertaining in the true Lanna style. We like it. The Sang Long procession has no sound system, no music from other societies. It is the sound of Lanna. It is the joy and fun of the hill people. It still maintains its originality, or there is an attempt not to change it too much, because some things cannot resist the tide of change according to the mechanism of time.



The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The procession passed in front of Wat Jong Kham.

Recalling the story of the event we mentioned earlier, there will be a total of 4 days for the Poi Sang Long event...


The first day of the Sanglon festival sees parents bringing their children to the temple to be ordained as novice monks. The children's heads are shaved, but their eyebrows are left intact, in accordance with Burmese tradition. They are then dressed in brightly colored clothing, with elaborate headdresses, makeup, and painted eyebrows. Monks offer blessings and recite scriptures. The Sanglons are then carried on the shoulders of adults in a celebratory procession. The festivities continue into the night with a feast. The scale of the celebration varies depending on the family's means.






Experience the intimate atmosphere within the procession.

The second day, known as "Wan Kha Maek" or "Wan Rap Khaek," features three significant ceremonies: the procession of the "Ko Lu" (offerings), a full-fledged "Sang Long" feast (with 12 dishes), and a "Sang Long" spirit-calling ceremony. In simpler terms, this day involves a blessing ceremony, offerings, tying of sacred threads, and a celebratory feast.




Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.




A spectrum of emotions…

On the third day, the Luu procession day, we participated in the ceremony. A procession of "Sangleung" was organized and paraded through the streets of the city, allowing the local people to participate in this auspicious occasion. In the evening, there were movie screenings, entertainment, and a feast, as on every other night.






Rejoice...

The last day, the day of the ordination ceremony, is the day when the novice will be ordained as a monk to enter the study of Buddhist teachings. In the early morning, the elder monk will lead the novice into the temple to perform the ordination ceremony, and the ceremony will be completed.



I'm hungry.


This elder sister plays the drums with great enthusiasm.


This event was truly a blend of knowledge and entertainment. The photography was enjoyable, and following the procession was effortless. Seeing the faces of the people of Mae Hong Son brought me immense joy; everyone was so cheerful. If you have the time and are interested in experiencing the Lanna atmosphere and its unique brand of fun, I highly recommend attending next year. Although the journey may seem long, it is undoubtedly worth every moment. I will definitely be back next year.


Let's end with the cuteness of Sangleong...


#mae hong son#mae hong son#traditional events#photography#car#thailand
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