Changing of the robes of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew (saiko3p / Shutterstock.com)
There are three seasons in Thailand, the summer season, the rainy season and the winter season. An associated ritual is to provide the most sacred image of Thailand, the (emerald) Buddha with a different robe. This Buddha is also made of jade.
This statue has a long history before it was placed in the Wat Phra Kaew on the grounds of the Grand Palace. It has been spotted in Chiang Rai in 1434, after which it stood in Laos for a long time, but was brought to Bangkok in 1785 by King Taksin and his general Chakri (later King Rama l) via Chonburi. Construction of Phra Kaew Temple began when King Rama l moved the capital of Siam from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. The figurine is attributed to the late Lanna school of the 15e century.
Last Tuesday evening, November 12, 2019, the ancient ritual took place to change the robe of the Buddha statue from the rainy season to the winter period. Only the king or crown prince may perform this ritual. King Rama X, accompanied by Queen Suthida, arrived at the temple in the Royal Palace on Tuesday evening to carry this out. The gilded monk's habit and headdress were replaced by a golden scarf, representing the winter period.
The king then sprinkles holy water on his officials, those attending the ceremony, and people outside the temple hall.
Rama l instituted the royal ceremony, the founder of house Chakri with only two suits, one for summer and one for winter time. A third season was introduced during the period of Rama lll.
Visitors to Wat Phra Kaew are expected to be respectful in terms of dress and behavior and are strictly supervised. The figurine is relatively small!
Source: Pattaya Mail, ea
Very educational information. I didn't know the details.