Performing short versions of death rituals for the living is an old practice in Thailand which has recently seen a revival. People believe that participating in these rituals will allow them to shed bad luck (khro) or to trick spirits that may have invaded their bodies. Going through the rituals that Buddhist monks conduct during funeral ceremonies is believed to offer a new start in life, a rebirth while still alive. During these rituals people lay down, either on the floor or in a real coffin, and hold a bunch of flowers. They are then covered with a white or red cloth and the monks chant a short text usually recited during funerals and bone collections.
These short films were created by the University of Bristol Buddhist Death Rituals Project and funded by the AHRC.
Death Rituals for the Living: Vat Phromanee from Buddhist Death Project at UoB on Vimeo.
Death Rituals for the Living: Vat Phromanee 2 from Buddhist Death Project at UoB on Vimeo.
Death Rituals for the Living: Vat Soksaram from Buddhist Death Project at UoB on Vimeo.
Death Rituals for the Living: Vat Khu Tai from Buddhist Death Project at UoB on Vimeo.
