Wat Pa Pao
Its completely overlooked by all the guidebooks, but Wat Pa Pao is a quite unique temple in Chiang Mai. Its not as ancient as many of the temples of the city. It was built late in the nineteenth century by the Thai Yai community, an ethnic group originating in the Shan States of Burma. The temple stills sits in small grove of the pao trees that gave the temple its name.Until recently few of Chiang Mai's permanent residents were aware of the presence of a thriving Shan community in the commercial heart of the city. Wat Pa Pao is, after all, just one of the more than 300 temples in the metropolitan area, and it is set well off the main road, so that it is possible to walk or drive past dozens of times without being aware of the unusual architecture or signs in Shan script. Recently, however, prompted by a resurgence of interest in Shan traditions and by an increased feeling of cultural confidence amongst the community, Chiang Mai's Shan inhabitants have reintroduced the Poy Sang Long ordination ceremony in the city after a hiatus of more than sixty years. Celebrations go on for several nights, with Shan food served to the accompaniment of traditional Tai Yai music, dancing and songs.
During these celebrations luk kaeo, or " crystal sons " young Shan boys about to be ordained are accommodated in the large viharn at Wat Pa Pao. Many of these novices travel to Chiang Mai from surrounding Shan communities at Mae Chaem, Mae Rim, Chiang Dao and Fang.
During Poy Sang Long the novices are elaborately arrayed in make up, jewellery and traditional Shan clothing to resemble celestial princes. They are then carried to the ubosoth, on the shoulders of their fathers or elder brothers. This is an elaborate and gorgeous ceremony, performed with much pomp and circumstance. Golden umbrellas shield the novices-to-be from the rays of the sun, and the tears of proud mothers are often to be seen.
Contact details:
Just north of the old city walls. Maneenopparat Road Chiang Mai
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