Ritual moves from forest to capital to track migration
Karen people dressed in traditional costume performed their annual blessings for hundreds of people at a school in Bangkok yesterday.
The ethnic group believes that while people’s optimism fades in the face of adversity, they benefit from receiving Karen blessings in the form of holy threads in order boost their morale and enhance their prospects of receiving good luck.
In the past, such rituals were held in Karen villages in the middle of lush forests but as so many ethnic people now live in Bangkok and adjacent provinces for work or school, one big ritual was held instead at Wat Prayasuren School in Klong Sam Wa district.
The ritual started with seven young couples carrying trays of auspicious items into the venue.
Respected elderly Karen people then placed five of the auspicious items into their hands and blessed them. The elderly also tied holy red and white threads around one of their wrists, a gesture they believe boosts their morale.
