Entrance to the Wat
Almost every morning, J rides his bicycle up Doi Suthep mountain, which sits behind our apartment. On top of the mountain is a Wat (temple). We tried to go to the Wat our first week in country, but were unsuccessful to find a parking spot so we went home. Because our friend is visiting, L and some of our national friends took a trip to the Wat.
L with our national friends at the base of the long staircase to the top.
Every Wat has dragons at the base or the opening. They are supposed to protect the Wat from evil spirits.
The body of the dragon extends on both sides of the stairs from the base to the top.
Top entrance to the Wat
The Wat had several entrances to get into the ceremonial grounds.
Gold idols surrounded us as soon as we entered the Wat area.
Gold everywhere
Gold idols adorned every part of the Wat.
People were making merit at small gold idols depending on the day of the week they were born. They give offerings to the god on the day of the week they were born in order to bring them good luck and forgiveness to their sins.
More idols
People were making merit (giving money) at small money trees depending on the month of the year they were born. They give offerings to the tree, which they consider a god, on the month of the year they were born in order to bring them good luck and forgiveness to their sins.
Gold idols decorated the outside of the Wat as well.
A large jackfruit tree grew at the entrance. It was wrapped in ribbons as a sign that it is a spirit tree. The ribbons keep the evil spirits away.
Today’s field trip was very eye-opening to the darkness found in this country. Let this post serve as a reminder to lift up the people in this country.
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