Earlier this morning (7am Thailand time), Ch3 actor Aon Sarawut was ordained at the Ratchanadda temple. He was given the name Thomoloh, meaning a person who will maintain excellence. He will be ordained for 15 days to honor his parents and family elders. His family and friends were all there to participate in his important day, his longtime gf Nuan was also present.
I remember when my older brother was ordained, I acted as the photographer. It was tiring and there was so many ceremonial steps–cutting the hair, my mother cutting a lock of his hair, shaving his eyebrows, countless hours praying, my brother sitting on an overly decorated white bed, some sort of watering part, the parade to the temple, and then more praying. I remember my little cousin Boyd, who was 3 at the time, kept hitting the ceremonial gong, which gave me a headache.
It’s a religious ceremony to become a buddhist monk for a short period of time or for a long time. In Aon’s case, it’s just for 15 days, it’s a way of sacrificing yourself to honor your parents and bring good luck to the family. It’s sorta like a religious right of passage. My brother did it, it’s very festive. It’s really like a big celebration.
It’s very important in Southeast Asian buddhist culture. From time to time, you will see many Thai male celebrities entering the monkhood for short periods of time. You only do it once, I think.
The name thing, it’s not really a legal name change. It’s just the name used during his time of being a buddhist monk.
Whoa! that is really weird!!! lol. I don’t
know what an ordained is, or the process
of it [& no offense] but I’m glad we don’t
do that in our culture. I hope Aon’s hair
grows back soon! lol. Why does he have to
change his name anyways??? :0)
I’ve always felt really humble and blessed whenever I get to take part in a ceremony where one of my family members become ordained. To me, the ceremony is very sacred and I feel honored to be a part of a culture that participate in these kind of Buddhist traditions.