In Thailand, as it is a Buddhist country, all men are expected to become a monk for a month or more. This brings honor to them and their families. This Monk Ordination is celebrated on a similar level that weddings are celebrated in western countries. First, the man is clothed as seen in the first picture. His family and friends walk behind him around the temple 3 times as he throws toffee and lucky coins to everyone. A man holds a red umbrella over him. He then is lifted up to touch the top of the temple door. Afterwards he goes inside the temple for around 2 hours. During this time he is given monks robes and clothed in them, he must recite Buddhist scripture, and older monks chant many things that I did not understand. The ordination process is completed as he walks outside the temple. Afterwards he is a monk. Then he and the other monks eat a feast while the rest of his friends and family wait. Once the monks have had their fill, the friends and family are served and feast on many delicious dishes. This ordination had 7 courses of Tom Yum, fried rice, snapper fish, etc. Once the friends and family have left, the monk has many covenants he must keep. Some of them include not earning money, not touching or having contact with women, and not consuming alcohol, and not eating food past 11 AM. All covenants surround refraining from fulfilling desire. There are over 200. After he has spent his time there, the man can choose to continue being a monk or return to his life. Thai men may become monks many times. They sometimes do it out of respect after the death of a loved one or if they need a break from society when work gets too stressful. All men do this at least once.
