As most of Phuket residents are Chinese, 80% of the people observe the vegetarian festival between the first to the ninth waxing moon on the ninth month of the Chinese calendar, which falls on the eleventh month of the Thai calendar. They wear white-colored clothing and eat only vegetables to cleanse their souls, remembering their respected ancestors and asking for their protection.
Besides, they will also abstain from alcohol, telling lies, stealing, having sexual intercourse and killing animals. A ceremony is also held in front of the "Haam" or angel spirit house. Nine oil lamps will be put on top of a pole and giant incense sticks are lit; gold and silver papers are burned, and offerings are placed on the table. On the 3rd, 6th and 9th nights of the waxing moon, a medium will ask a spiritual being to enter his or her body. Once in a trance, the medium will use weapons to hit and cut himself or herself. Walking through fire is another ceremony held during the vegetarian festival. Either a medium or an ordinary person can choose to walk on a bed of burning charcoals to cleanse their bodies and those with a strong belief in the gods believe they can walk through the fire without feeling the charcoals under their feet.
Besides, they will also abstain from alcohol, telling lies, stealing, having sexual intercourse and killing animals. A ceremony is also held in front of the "Haam" or angel spirit house. Nine oil lamps will be put on top of a pole and giant incense sticks are lit; gold and silver papers are burned, and offerings are placed on the table. On the 3rd, 6th and 9th nights of the waxing moon, a medium will ask a spiritual being to enter his or her body. Once in a trance, the medium will use weapons to hit and cut himself or herself. Walking through fire is another ceremony held during the vegetarian festival. Either a medium or an ordinary person can choose to walk on a bed of burning charcoals to cleanse their bodies and those with a strong belief in the gods believe they can walk through the fire without feeling the charcoals under their feet.
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