Sending Away Misfortune to the Sea Thai Culture Ceremony of Sending Away Misfortune to the Sea: Upholding the Faith and Central Tradition of Hua Hin People. The ceremony of sending away misfortune to the sea is an important and valued tradition for the community of Hua Hin. This annual event is held to make merit for the deceased ancestors, as well as to cast away bad luck and misfortune, ensuring a prosperous and fortunate life. The ceremony is deeply symbolic and closely tied to the lives of local people who have relied on the sea for their livelihood for generations.

 

History and Background The tradition of sending away misfortune to the sea is rooted in the ancient beliefs of fishermen who believed that making merit for their ancestors and performing rituals to drive away bad luck would help remove evil forces and bring good fortune. The act of scattering ashes into the sea symbolizes the return of spirits to nature. In the past, fishermen who went out to sea to fish may not have returned to tend to their ancestors or descendants. This ceremony represents their gratitude and connection to nature.

 

The ceremony begins with the preparation of a fishing boat, measuring approximately 7 meters long. The boat is decorated beautifully and prepared for a procession. Participants, dressed in traditional Thai attire, write their own names or the names of relatives on clay figurines of men and women, which symbolize the bad luck or problems they wish to release. These figurines are then placed in the boat, ready to be sent out to sea.

 

The procession starts from the Thapthim Shrine, where monks perform religious rites to dedicate merit. The boat is then taken to Poo Khrong rock, a well-known fishing area. There, holes are drilled into the boat, causing it to sink, turning it into a coral habitat and a home for marine life. This act of releasing the boat and figurines into the sea represents a ritual of driving away misfortune and making wishes for prosperity.

 

The act of releasing clay figurines into the sea symbolizes the casting away of bad luck and misfortune, as well as making merit for deceased ancestors. The sinking of the boat into the sea also contributes to the marine environment, promoting ecological balance. It reflects the harmonious relationship between nature and human life, ensuring the wellbeing of both the community and the environment.

 

The people of Hua Hin play a vital role in organizing the ceremony, particularly the fishermen, who contribute by providing and decorating the boats used in the ritual. The Thapthim Shrine serves as the heart of the community, with monks and devotees participating together to perform the rites, bringing blessings to everyone involved in the ceremony.

 

The ceremony of sending away misfortune to the sea is not only an important tradition for the local community but also a part of cultural tourism that attracts visitors from around the world. Tourists have the opportunity to witness the beauty of local customs and gain a deeper understanding of the profound meanings behind this tradition. Preserving and continuing this tradition is essential for maintaining Thai cultural heritage in the modern era.

 

The ceremony of sending away misfortune to the sea is a reflection of the community’s faith and respect for their ancestors and nature. The fact that the people of Hua Hin have continued to uphold this tradition demonstrates the importance of preserving cultural heritage and passing on beliefs and values to future generations. This tradition not only highlights the relationship between humans and nature but also fosters prosperity and peace in the lives of those who participate.