Thai School Ceremony, Isaan Thailand.

On Monday we had some of our kindergarten students at our morning assembly. This can only mean one thing, and that is a ceremony of some sorts. The little students were having fun being at the grown ups assembly.


Our two Brothers were standing at the base of our flag pole. They were waiting patiently for everything to begin.

There were a handful of important guests on hand as well.

It was nearly time for the gift giving to start, here the kindergarten representatives wait to offer their gift to the Brothers.

There was a line of people waiting to offer gifts to the Brothers, a few of our foreign teachers waited anxiously in line.

Some of the Thai teachers waiting were very happy to have their picture taken holding their gifts.

And there were some senior students also bearing gifts.

Our foreign teachers looked relaxed, I am sure they were a bundle of nerves though underneath their cool exposures.

Brother Sakda.

Brother, (Forgot his nickname, sorry)

Brother Sakda.

It was finally time for the gift giving and the VIP guests started the ball rolling.

When the small kindergarten girl gave her gift to Brother Sakda, she unexpectedly gave him a big long hug.

Then some small primary 1 students had their turn.

Then our two foreign teacher representatives took to the limelight and they did a spectacular job.

All the time the students sat patiently watching the proceedings with interest.

And after it was all done the Brother Sakda addressed the students with a short speech and the ceremony was over.

Oh, what was the ceremony about, you ask?

It was Feast Day; I have a broad idea about what this is all about when I researched it a few years ago. Many people acquire baptismal or confirmational names from the saint associated with their date of birth, so Feast Day marks the "name day" of the saint whose name they bear with special attention.
I found a website that has all the Saints names for all the months of the year. Now if this is the case we have held this day on different dates in June each year. So I am not sure if Brother celebrates this day on the 29th, 26th or so on.

Anyway, I am sure there is a good devote Catholic reader out there who can inform us much more clearly if need be about the day.

Brunty.