Coffin up kindness: Wat Naprao’s ceremony breathes life into community compassion

The annual coffin donation ceremony at Wat Naprao, Si Racha, on September 29 brought heart and humanity to the forefront, offering a lifeline to those who can’t afford funeral services. This touching event, deeply rooted in compassion, unites the community in a mission to provide dignified send-offs for the less fortunate.

Led by Sittichai Samrit, president of the Naprao community, the ceremony is all about supporting those in need. Samrit highlighted the significance of this heartfelt tradition.

“This ceremony not only aids the deceased but also brings our community together to show compassion and support for those in need.”

The event saw coffins donated to various temples, ensuring that the impoverished received a proper and respectful farewell. Local leaders and volunteers played key roles in this charitable act, further emphasising the community’s spirit of togetherness.

“It’s about dignity in death for those who couldn’t otherwise afford it,” said one volunteer, reflecting on the impact of the donations.

But there’s more to this event than charity. A unique and slightly eerie tradition allows participants to lie down in the coffins themselves. This symbolic act isn’t just for show—many believe it helps to ward off bad luck, boost fortunes, and bring blessings to their families.

Participants hoped to improve their fortunes while helping the less fortunate, a blend of personal and communal benefits that made the ceremony even more meaningful, reported Pattaya Mail.

In related news, a unique statue named Tao Maha Phrom Wessuwan, featuring nine faces and eight arms, has been constructed at Wat Sap Takro in Nakhon Ratchasima. The statue, created by Phra Ajarn Wanchai Wannako, also known as Luang Kru Ae, is gaining significant reverence from the public despite being built only three months ago.

In other news, villagers in Buriram held a traditional ceremony at an over 100 year old shrine, offering various foods to honour ancestral spirits. During the event, an 80 year old medium, believed to be possessed, startled attendees by eating raw pork.