Salung Of Lanna

Salung, from the dialect of Lanna, the ancient kingdom of northern Thailand, is a container for holding water that looks like a dipping bowl. Typically, a Salung is made of silver with fine designs. They come in many sizes and are known by different names, depending upon their form and use. For instance, Salung Hab is a large container used in pairs by Chiang Mai nobility. A medium-sized Salung is used for washing the face; a smaller one for drinking water.

At the time of the Songkran festival (traditional Thai New Year) Lanna residents organize a ceremony to sprinkle water on Buddha images to pay homage to the Lord Buddha, who showed the way to peace and enlightenment. Each villager adds turmeric, scented water and Som Poi (a kind of herb) into his or her Salung. The correct way to sprinkle water on a Buddha image is to channel water from the Salung along a small trough made of bamboo. After being poured over the Buddha image the water collects in a large container to be saved for later ceremonies and blessings. It is believed this ceremonial water is sacred, and villagers often use it to sprinkle their heads, faces, bodies and homes for good luck.

Residents of Lampang Province in northern Thailand arrange a grand Salung procession each year from April 12 to 14 during the Songkran Festival. A procession travels around the city to get turmeric, scented water and Som Poi from villagers. For this occasion villagers dress beautifully in Lanna style attire. After the procession, these offerings are used to sprinkle water on Phra Kaeo Don Tao, the revered Buddha image of Lampang. This traditional practice has been passed from the distant past to the present day.