Photo Journalism - Photo 2

Thak Baht

In memory of Phailom Inthapannha

September 1, 1949 - September 5, 2014

Today I will be telling you about one of my cultures ceremonies after the death of a family member. The first week we do a thing called a huen dee. Where we cook food for people who come and mourn with us and also pay their respects. Some people give money, bring things, or just come and help. While this is happening we (me and my sisters) are outside watching the house, the people, and our stock of drinks and food. My grandmother is the widow, so she must stay inside with people who choose to go inside and pay their respects and talk with my grandmother. After a whole week, the funeral happens. It’s hard not to cry, but you must try not to. They say if you cry, you are pulling them farther from where they need to be. Then after the funeral is called a boun which is the same as the huen dee, it’s just after. Then the last day is Thak baht.

            This is the 2nd week after my Grandfather’s death. In my culture what we do on the last day is called "Thak Baht". It’s where we give food and money to the monks that helped cleanse and guide my grandfather in the after-life. When we give the food and money, we put it up to our heads and then put it in the monk’s bowls that we strictly cannot touch! By bringing food from your own house or just by grabbing one of the filled plates you may earn merit and blessings from the monks. Monks eat only once a day. Between lunchtime, 11am - 12pm. The rest of the day they may not eat, but are free to drink what they please! (Not alcohol). After we "Thak Baht" we make food for the monks and wait until they are done eating, then we may eat. After we are done, the immediate family basically me, my grandmother, mother, uncles, and siblings. We sit and pray with the monks for 3 hours, saying our goodbyes one last time and that we hope he finds his way.