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| Wat Phrakaew Chiang Rai: Thailand |
Phra Chao Tan Jai as the Lanna people understand it refers to the construction of a Buddha image within a certarn specified period. ln the past. people relied on daylight. Thus at the first light of the day shines. People begin to get busy and continue to work untill it is finished before the sunset. Work, therefore. as done within a period of about 12 hours.
The Lanna people moved frequently within the Lanna territory. These mass migrations were brought about by factors such as pestilence. natural disasters or even warfare. Wherever they went, they moved as a group. Over time, the people began to look for a place where they could worship - such as a temple. When they have found an appropriate place for the temple. they immediately begin work in construcitng a Buddha image usually made from stone, earth, sand, bamboo and is decorated with Saa paper and finish the construction with a mixture of honey, ash and fine soil.
Before the appointed day for construction, all building materials are collected and placed near the construction site. Bedding materials and food are brought to the site as well. Very often the site of construction is located on a hill because this is believed to be a good locatron. Water will therefore. have to be hauled up the hill.
ln the morning, a ceremony will be held to make offerings to the spirits such as those that govern the forest, the site where the construction will occur- depeniling on local beliefs. The elders give advice as to when construction should be done by the able bodied men. Women provide support tc the men bv cooking food and providing water. Other groups who are skilled willornaments, which will be used for the temple such as the many tiered umbella or Bang Soon or Kang Jong (Lanna luanguage). There will also be others that will weave the outer vestments of ttre susupeior monk.
As the sun begins the beat down on the people and harden the newly constructed image. The people hurry up to finish construction. Often many people are required to work together to combine their skill and kowledge. By afternoon, the image is beginning to take shape and people forget that they are tired from all of the work they have so far put into construction. Furthermore,they have to rush and finish con-struction before the sun sets. One of the last activities villagers perform is to remove the construction materials off the new Buddha image. At this point people will begin praying and ringing the bell to symbolize the completion of the phra Tan Jai image.
Another ceremony practiced by the Thai Lue,Tai Khuen,Tai and Tai Yai (Shan) that is related to the phra Chao Tan Jai is called Tan Phra Phra Chao Tan Jai. This practice is similar to the Lanna ceremony called Julla Kathin when people make offerings to all the priests in the temples. Ceremonies begin after sunset and ends before sunrise. Usually. This ceremony is performed after the Buddhist lent which is before the winter season.
The Phra Chao Tan Jai ceremony is performed to strengthen the Buddhist institution. Furthermore, the ceremony results in building unity among the followers of Buddhism. preserves and strengthens local people's wisdom. Which is the foundation of the Lanna heritage.
