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Brahmanism is present in Thailand since the influence
of Khmer people starting in the 10th century. Thai people seized Angkor,
in Cambodia, in 1431. Brahmanism was the religion reserved for high rank people. Still nowadays
there are some Brahmanist priests taking part in royal ceremonies such
as the Royal Ploughing,royal events (marriage, birth, coronation, death,
birthday), the cut of the topknot ("CHUK"). The child's head
is shaved except for a topknot. This topknot is supposed to keep the child's
soul inside the corpse. It can not flee. When the child is old enough,
the topknot is cut by Brahmins. The huge swing near "WAT SUTHAT" is a Brahmanisy symbol in
Bangkok. It was closed more than fifty years ago due to mortal accidents.
The aim was to go as high as possible in the sky. In Thailand, many Brahmanist statues can be seen in old Khmer temples,
in Buddhism temples. Thai people say "as there are many gods, one
might listen to the request". Many Brahma shrines can be found in Bangkok in front of major buildings,
on skyscrapers' roof. Presence of the royal white elephants is still a Brahmanist presence.
The white elephants are supposed to bring luck to the King and the Kingdom.
This caused a war to happen between Burma and Ayuthaya kingdom. The Burmese
king wanted white elephants living in Ayuthaya Royal court. The famous Erawan shrine is containing a four faces Brahma. This shrine
is supposed to bring luck. When making a request one must bring a gift:
flowers, garlands, elephants made of wood, banknotes, food, dances and
so on... When requesting something, one shall promise a reward if the
wish happens. This act is called "KAE BON". If one does not
give the reward, one shall beware of the spirit revenge. In February 2000 a multi-faith ceremony happened in the Thai Parliament.
Buddhist, Christian, Brahmanist and Islamic rites were performed one after
another. Since the last election in November 1996, 8 MP have died and
11 MP have resigned. Those priests were supposed to expelled bad luck
from parliament. |
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