Thailand and its celebration of May

Have you ever been to Thailand? No? Not a problem! We'll go with you there right now, but ... in my imagination. What is it, Thailand?
Very important part of life in this country is Buddhism. Since virtually the entire population in Thailand - Buddhism, Buddhist ritual must accompany all significant events in the life of the Thais: the day of birth, marriage, moving to a new house, funerals, opening a new business, buying a car.
Until now, even the Thais you do not answer with certainty when the first Buddhists in Thailand. It is generally accepted that Buddhism was first brought in the country near the IIIc. BC But for the most reliable data of the first Buddhists in Burma and Central Thailand, appeared about 100 g. In any case, Buddhism was known everywhere and has been recognized throughout the peninsula. Even in the constitution of Thailand states that the Thai kings have to be Buddhists.
In the country there are about 27.000 of Buddhist temples, most of them located in rural areas. Buddhist monks in Thailand are different sobriety, moderation, tolerance and a profound knowledge of religious rituals.
To allow people to pay more attention to religious rituals, all the major Buddhist holy days are declared national holidays. In addition, for a long time in Thailand is the custom by which men over the age of twenty may temporarily take vows (rainy season). To become a monk for a time from several days to three months, must every man, even the King or Crown Prince Bhumipol Mache Vadzhiralunkorn not exempt from this.
Visaha Puja - one of the most important Buddhist holidays . It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 6 th lunar month. In our calendar it - May. The celebration is held in honor of the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
Thailand - a Buddhist country, and His Majesty the King is the guarantor of all religions, so this day is widely celebrated across the country. Everywhere develop religious flags. Across the country, conducted the religious ceremony, during which pays homage to religious sites. In the countryside, people get up early in the morning to prepare food and sweets for the monks, and at daybreak sent to a nearby temple, where he spend most of the day, taking part in religious rituals. Key events unfolding around the temples.
Here for the whole day people listen to sermons, and by evening take part in the candle procession, during which they bypass the main temple chapel three times. During the procession, each holding a flower, three joss-sticks and a lighted candle, which symbolizes three shrines (the Buddha, his teachings and his followers).
In honor of this holiday in the province of Nakhon Pat, in the temple Putta Mohnton, where a statue of the Walking Buddha, performed major religious ceremony. Here the candle procession is usually led by a member of the royal family. Buddhists from nearby and other provinces are also taking part in the procession, and some of them listen to sermons, or even spend time in meditation.
If you still find yourself in Thailand in May, and in his imagination, but truly, it all these beautiful ceremony can see for yourself.