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Temple monks shave the heads of soon-to-be novices. Rayong, Thailand |
The cut hair symbolizes the departure from everyday life. Rayong, Thailand |
A father participates -- shaving his son's eyebrows. Rayong, Thailand |
After their heads are shaved, members of the family dress the young men in white clothes that symbolize purity. Rayong, Thailand |
As a sign of respect the young men ritually wash the hands and feet of the family elders with scented water. Rayong, Thailand |
In turn, the elders wash the newly shaven heads of the young men. Rayong, Thailand |
The night before entering the monastery the 3 young men replace the white clothes with bright costumes and are crowned to resemble mythological angels. Rayong, Thailand |
As the young men sit solemnly the party tempo increases. Rayong, Thailand |
Three candles are passed around the assembled, seated guests and a prayer said by each for the young men. Rayong, Thailand |
A local singer prepares the audience for the "vientiane" -- a unified blessing. Rayong, Thailand |
A blessed thread is passed to all elder family members and friends symbolizing the connection they have to the 3 young men. Rayong, Thailand |
The next morning family members dance during the walk accompanying the young men to the monastery. Rayong, Thailand |
Coins and candies are tossed in the air to the happy crowd. Rayong, Thailand |
Dressed in white, the young men are carried around the chapel 3 times. Rayong, Thailand |
The 3 soon-to-be monks are brought up to the chapel doors to begin the final initiation. Rayong, Thailand |
Surrounded by saffron, the young men shed their white clothes to don the robes of monks. Rayong, Thailand |
The young men are dressed correctly by older monks. Rayong, Thailand |
After chanting their vows each monk is given his begging bowl and is touched by his father for the last time. Rayong, Thailand |
3 new monks leave the chapel. Rayong, Thailand |
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