Khon Juk (Top Knot Cutting Ceremony)
At present, because of the widespread of global changes and new cultures, there are hardly Thai children who wear topknots. This ancient ceremony, which has been our heritage for generations, is fading out, and will be soon left only in our memories. One of the reasons being that the Top Knot cutting ceremony is considered too delicate compared with a normal hairstyle. In the case of girls, a long hair is quite fashionable.
In the old times, when the children turn to be teenagers (13 years old for the boys, and 11 years old for the girls, referring to the Indian principle of beliefs) that is similar to the European tradition called "the Coming of Age", there must be a ceremony for this occasion so called "Khon Juk" or the "Top Knot Cutting" Ceremony.
It was usual that the Top Knot Cutting Ceremony to be held together with other auspicious ceremonies such as the New House Merit Making ceremony and the Birthday Merit Making because it was also considered a spiritual and auspicious ceremony.
There was an evening chanting on the day before, then the ritual activity was performed in the following morning by offering food to monks. The Child's Top Knot was cut at the auspicious time. The candle revolution ceremony, which is a Brahmin ritual activity, was performed in the afternoon in order to bless the child.
The extent of the ceremony was based on the host's financial status. It would be more economical if the Top Knot Cutting ceremony was held at the same occasion with the other ceremonies.
