Thai Buddhist Lenten Candles

Traditionally, during the rainy season, Buddhist monks are required to remain overnight in their monasteries. In ancient times, this requirement was to avoid unnecessary travel during the period when crops had been newly planted for fear monks might inadvertently tread on young plants.

According to Buddhist decree, monks and novices must stay overnight at a temple during the period from the waning of the moon in the eighth lunar month until the waxing of the moon in the eleventh lunar month.

During the annual, three-month Buddhist Rain Retreat, or offer to monks flowers, incense sticks, candles, in particular, are essential as a means of lighting during the rain retreat period to help monks in times of study and meditation.

In this connection, small candles have been enlarged to be able to encircle the head. Suck a candle is called Thian Phansa (Buddhist Lenten Candle). During Buddhist Lent, a Lenten candle procession is traditionally organized as part of the festival.

During the festival local artisans will display elaborately carved beeswax candles of various sizes and shapes, which are exhibited in high-spirited processions around the country at various festivals.