Chinese Vegetarian Festival
Thailand's Phuket Vegetarian festal began in 1825 when a traveling opera company from China came to perform for the miners. The story goes, the entire crew got sick with no relief until they change their diet consisting of only vegetables in honor of two emperor gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone. The people of Kathu were intrigued of their miraculous recovery and embraced the faith.
The festival starts on the first evening of the ninth lunar month and ends on the ninth evening, the aim is to bring good luck to individuals as well as to the community.
Midnight before the festival begins a great pole is erected with nine lanterns at each temple, called the Go Teng pole. This is done in order to invite the gods to descend. Aside from this there are other ceremonies throughout the festival.
Ma Song are devotees whom gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves and to bring the community good luck.
The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple and the send off of the gods on the last night.
The festival starts on the first evening of the ninth lunar month and ends on the ninth evening, the aim is to bring good luck to individuals as well as to the community.
Midnight before the festival begins a great pole is erected with nine lanterns at each temple, called the Go Teng pole. This is done in order to invite the gods to descend. Aside from this there are other ceremonies throughout the festival.
Ma Song are devotees whom gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves and to bring the community good luck.
The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple and the send off of the gods on the last night.
