Sacred dance in respect of spirits, gods

Graceful: Jiraporn dancing for the Phra Phrom (four-faced Brahma) on his birthday at the Buddhist temple in Burma Lane, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Decked in traditional jewellery with symbols of a dragon, Jiraporn Nasomwong let the “spirits” guide her as she swayed gracefully in a dance in honour of the four-faced Brahma or Phra Phrom.

The dance form, called Rum Buang Suang (worship dances), is a sacred dance to pay respect to spirits and gods, said the 48-year-old.

She said she had never attended dance classes and had performed to the beat of the devotional music at Wat Chayamangkalaram here, a Thai Buddhist Temple in Burma Lane yesterday.

She performed five dances, changing outfits as she went on, first coming out in a peacock blue traditional Thai outfit, dancing and then changing into a white one.

“My dance today may be performed for Phra Phrom but it is meant for all the devas (deities),” said the housewife who had been invited by the temple to perform there.

Devotees making offerings before the 179-year-old Reclining Buddha here were pleasantly surprised to see the elaborate dance performance.

“Usually there is a group of us performing but this time, I was the only one available,” said Jiraporn, who is originally from Bueng Kan province in Thailand but has lived in Penang for decades.

“I pray before I dance and consider this as my offering to the god on his birthday. There was enough time for five songs and I am happy I was able to do this,” said Jiraporn, who will also take part in the normal Wesak Day festivities tomorrow.

Temple manager Mary Loo said Phra Phrom was the Thai representation of Brahma, a heavenly king who visited Buddha upon his enlightenment.

“Each head represents a different aspect of the deity. It is his birthday today and many people come to pray to him and bring offerings. While they do so throughout the year, today is considered an auspicious day.

“Many come with offerings which include fruits, eggs, roasted duck or pork and other delights.

“As we are not vegetarian, it is normal to bring meat. Alcohol is not allowed,” she said, adding that the festivities will continue as Wesak Day is tomorrow.