Since I came to Kanchanaburi, I have been feeling sluggish. The garden of the hotel is so beautiful and calm that I just want to swing in the hammock and read a book, but I had so much time during cat sitting in Bangkok last week that I throw myself on the street to get rid of this complacency as soon as possible.. So much so that I get disoriented on the map and move in the opposite direction (I noticed this on the way back). The first temple that comes my way looks different to my eyes from what I’ve seen so far; There’s a bit of Chinese flair. I’m stepping right into the garden. Music sounds
in my ear after browsing. I’m moving in that direction. A ritual is going on in a part of the temple, the first thing that caught my attention is that people are dressed in either black or white.. It looks like a special ritual. I quietly take off my shoes and step inside and realize I’m at a funeral. Eyes on me, I’m ashamed. I’m putting my camera in my bag right now. I’m watching a little while standing but I know it won’t be like this. I want to watch; I wonder because what happened, will happen. Encouraged by the white t-shirt I’m wearing, I go and sit next to an old woman in the back row.. She smiles at me, I can tell her sincerity by the sparkle of her eyes. Whatever they do, I do the same as I can. I’m not just repeating the words they repeat in case I say something stupid. People in the front row poking each other, pointing at me. they are laughing. They even turn around and take my picture. No one is crying at this funeral. lamenting bear, no one faints. I don’t understand what the aunt next to me is saying, she caresses my face and wants me to smile.
The group’s face is looking outwards.. coffin back. At the front of the row is a man sitting in a red chair, and behind him is a woman. They were family elders. Everyone else is on the ground. Monks sit side by side and sing hymns. There is a music orchestra a little further away.. Hymns are sung for a while. Then a man in charge of the temple brings trays of food.. Like kissing the bread we have, the man who is the elder of the family brings the trays to the head four times.. they offer to god. Meanwhile, everyone in the group behind is touching the people next to or in front of them with their hands.. It’s kind of like a loop, everyone is connected to each other.
the coffin is covered with a red cloth
The officer says something, everyone turns towards the coffin.. I don’t understand it’s pointing at me too. I’m getting up. I don’t know if I should go or stay. I am surprised. laughter again. That old woman I’m sitting next to comes in, shows me her side. We sit together again. This time I’m at the front of the line. The elders of the family sit in front of the group with their chairs.. Everything just done is repeated, facing the coffin. This time food being offered to the soul of the deceased. Lastly, they give us a single incense.. We lift them up and put them on our heads and we take a lunch break.
The deceased woman’s grandson Aim and her daughter Bussy
By the way, they come and meet me right away.. Today’s ritual is a special ritual only for family members.. No outsider could attend.. They believe that the spirit of the 92-year-old woman who died was inside me, and that’s how she came to them, when I went and sat down so tactlessly.. Goosebumps..
They say they’re so happy I came. Even if it’s with us, they’ll chase you with a stick because they’re kidding.
They invite you to dinner. We all sit at the table together. They shove whatever’s on the table into my mouth. All the attention is on me. All eyes are smiling. They listen carefully to every word that comes out of my mouth. Classic questions like what are you doing, where are you coming from, where are you going?. I’m telling you too. They can’t hide their surprise when they hear that I’m traveling alone. Phone numbers are exchanged immediately.. If you get stuck, they say call.. In the meantime, a man comes to me, holding the national lottery tickets.. He’s making me take two. Distributing national lottery tickets to the whole family. What a beautiful piece.. I say what if it comes out and hide it right away I’m just starting the dreams. Ooooo I wonder how many more months I will travel with this money. Or whether I invest or travel for life or whatever.. It’s classic dreams.
The aunt I was sitting next to at the ceremony was talking to me from the other table.. She said to find me a husband.. When I say OK and take her picture, she is embarrassed this time.
The aunt I sat next to at the ceremony
The 3rd of the ritual. it’s day. There was a burial ceremony the next day.. There will be a bigger ceremony, they say come if you are available.
I have a waterfall schedule for the next day.. I said, “How can I experience something like this again at the Yemis waterfall, and I agree to the next day.” ://bilinlenenrota.com/gezi/asian/tayland/
There’s Someone Inside Me!!! – Part 2