Bai Sri Su Kwan
by PASIRI MARAKHOB
1. Actions
1.1. Invocation of Spirits
1.2. Tying Sacred Threads
1.3. Offering and Blessing
1.4. Chanting and Recitation
1.5. Water Sprinkling
1.6. Holding Bai Sri Ornament
2. Actors
2.1. Elders or Monks
2.2. Participants
2.3. Family Members
3. Places
3.1. Home
3.1.1. performed in private homes for occasions like housewarming, weddings, or birth celebrations.
3.2. Temples
3.2.1. Sometimes held in temples, especially if monks are involved.
3.3. Community spaces
3.3.1. In villages, the ceremony may be held in community spaces.
4. Times
4.1. Morning or Early Day
4.2. Special Occasions
4.3. Seasonal Festivals
5. Objects
5.1. Bai Sri (ornamental tree)
5.2. White Sacred Threads (Sai Sin)
5.3. Candles and Incense
5.4. Offerings
5.5. Silver or Gold Bowls
6. Languages
6.1. Lao
6.2. Thai
6.3. Pali/Sanskrit
7. Groups
7.1. Families
7.1.1. Close family members usually participate, either to bless the individual or to receive collective blessings.
7.2. Families
7.2.1. In rural areas, whole villages may come together to perform Bai Sri Su Kwan for the community’s well-being.
7.3. Travelers or Business People
7.3.1. Those embarking on a journey or starting a new business often seek blessings through this ritual.