Song Hab - Song Khon Ritual

Open Days: Held Based On Ritual Occasions

Opening Hours: Usually In The Morning Or Early Evening

 

The Song Hab - Song Khon Ritual and the Sending of the Then Spirits Ceremony are traditional Lanna practices from Northern Thailand that reflect deep-rooted beliefs about child protection, healing, and the spiritual balance between humans and unseen forces.

 

These rituals are especially associated with children under the age of five, who are believed to be vulnerable to spiritual disturbances from entities known as “Pho Koet - Mae Koet.” These spirits are thought to cause symptoms such as crying at night, restlessness, or unexplained illness.

 

The Song Hab - Song Khon ritual involves preparing small offering baskets filled with rice, sweets, and flowers. A ritual master chants invocations to invite the spirits to receive the offerings and stop disturbing the child.

 

The Sending of the Then Spirits ritual is performed when illness cannot be explained or cured normally. Offerings are arranged in banana-leaf containers with symbolic items such as clay figures, mirrors, and ornaments, usually in sets of 12.

 

These ceremonies are still preserved in Northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai. A place associated with Lanna cultural traditions is Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, a major temple in Chiang Mai where traditional beliefs and Buddhist practices coexist.

 

Getting There is easy, as the temple is located in the center of Chiang Mai Old City and can be reached by car, taxi, or local transport.

 

 

A: It is a Lanna ritual to protect children from spiritual disturbances.

 

A: Mainly for young children under 5 years old.

 

A: A ritual used when illness cannot be cured by normal means.

 

A: Yes, especially in Northern Thailand.

 

A: Yes, if the ceremony is held during local events.