Phi Khon Pang Khone (Thailand Local Custom)

Phi Khon Pang Khone (Thailand Local Custom)

The Phi Khone Ghosts

      On the full moon of the fourth lunar month, villagers in Ban Hai Yang, Pang Khone District, Sakon Nakhon Province hold a great sermon know as the Boon Phra Wet or Mahachat Sermon, an important merit ceremony for all Buddhists. The people of Hai Yang, add a special touch which stands out from other Buddhists-the Phi Khan Ghost Parade.

Phi Khon Pang Khone - Sakon Nakhon Local Custom

       Several  days  before the fair,  the  Phi Khan  masked ghosts will make their way , singing catchy folk songs to invite townspeople to the ceremony.

       The  costumes  resemble  colorful  voodoo  dolls.  The masks are made from red kapok trees , cut into 30 by 50 cm. pieces, and carved to create a devilish profile. The masks are given a finishing touch of lime and soil.

      The performers should be at least 18 years old or more as they are responsible and able to take care of themselves .

      The Phi Khan gang are headed by a leader, who makes sure his "ghosts" behave. He is allowed to enforce punishment to any "ghost" who disobeys predetermined rules. This is in fact an impressive example of folk wisdom in action, since it subtly teaches performers discipline.

The Maha Chart Merit Ceremony at Ban Hai Yong, Sakal Nakhon

      Featured as part of the Maha Chart Merit Ceremony at  Ban  Hai Yang,  Pang  Khone  District,  Sakal  Nakhon,  is a play based on the story of the incarnation of the Lord Buddha "Phra Vessandara". The local Ban Hai Yang school miraculously takes on a new role as the setting of Wong Kat mountain, where Phra Vessandara preached virtue. The play unfolds with a group of Brahman holy men who travel from house to house, begging. House owners who are too busy to join the ceremony donate their money to the Brahmans who then pass their donations on to the temple. A Brahman by the name of Chao Chok goes to ask Kanha and Chalee  from their father, Phra Vessandara. God lndra also asks Matsee from Phra Vessandara. Selflessly, he gives all of them to Chao Chok and God lndra.

       The story continues to the scene where King Sanchai and  Queen  Pussadee  accompany  the  children  Kanha and Chalee to persuade Phra Vessandara to return home. They appeal to their father with touching pathos. This episode is a great  favorite  with the  audience  and often  moves  them  to tears  with  the  performers'  sweet  voices.  Thus,  the most important qualification for the best actors and actresses are their singing talents, regardless of age.