SkyBlueSky

Right of Passage

Wat Pa Pao, primarily services the Shan Burmese immigrant community of Chiang Mai. I attended day 4 (?) of the shin byu or novice monk initiation ceremony (shin byu (or pyu) ceremony - means to 'make a monk'). The boys, ages roughly 5-15 are dressed in finery (mimicking the dress of princes of Burma). The ceremony symbolises their passage into manhood and maturity.

They are treated as princes which means their feet are never allowed to touch the floor. Parents and family members feed and then carry the youngster around the temple. They are placed on  horses (or elephants in some places) and in some cities paraded through the streets. This last bit is not part of the Wat Pa Pao initiation so I'll be scouting around for opportunities for next year.

 

Get Prints - Give Prints! Just in time for the holidays!

Looking for the perfect gift or just tired of starring at your blank walls? Then I have just the solution for you. Head on over to my virtual gallery where I'm offering a limited time 20% discount on all prints and merchandise. To receive the discount simply insert the coupon code EATINGASIA in the discount code box when you check out. Photoshelter will take care of the rest.

Take a look around my galleries of images shot on travels and assignments around the world. To make it easier I've organized a 'Top Picks' gallery of top selling images as well as 'Your Kitchen Wall' which are suggested images that I think would look great in your kitchen or dining room.

US, Europe, Australia orders typically ship within 2 working days of order placement (although given the time of year give yourself a few days extra if you want it under the tree).

If you don't see what you are looking for drop me a line at dhagerman@davidhagermanphotography.com and I'll take a look through my archives.

Happy holidays!