Religion

Theravada Buddhism is the North's dominant religion and its most prominent symbols are the wad and the monk in their saffron robes. Every young man becomes a monk for a short time to gain an under standing of his religion and to make merit so he will return as a more evolved begin in the next life. Because women are not ordained as nuns, he also makes merit for his mother and sister. 
The North has many charming religious practices that recall the very human Hinduism of Bali. The bodhi tree whose leaf ends in a distinctive, claw-like point, is the tree under which Buddha achieved Enlightenment. To prolong the lives of ancient trees, villagers bring poles to prop up its tired old limbs, giving
the branches a comfortable support and earning merit for themselves in the process. 
Taoist deities are worshipped by ChiangMai's Chinese population. There is a small Thai and foreign Christian community and there are Islamic mosques throughout the town. Thai Buddhists cover all the bases, with a fervent belief in animism alongside their belief in Buddhism. Nearly every home has a small shrine where the spirits reside. Thais offer incense and flowers to these spirits to ensure protection in their daily lives. 
The  are mostly animist, believing in spirits that protect the village and which must not be offended. The list of possible transgressions is lengthy. Some, likes the Akha, build spirit gates which protect the village from malevolent ghosts. If one touches it or the column of a Karen house, one must donate a pig for sacrifice.