I took the above picture of a ceremony to commemorate the 100th day after my great grandmother died.

Lustral water is water that has been infused with magical powers or has received a blessing from monks during a sacred ceremony called "Nam Mon". Thais believe that those who drink lustral water or have it sprinkled on their head, the most sacred part of the body, will be blessed.

Lustral water is traditionally made from underground water contained in a bronze pot. Buddhist monks can use their alms bowls to hold the lustral water. A wax candle is often on the rim of the bowl in which lustral water is being prepared. As drops of wax fall into the bowl, disease, sorrow and evil are believed to be washed away. Gold leaves, Bermuda grass and even lotuses may be placed in the bowl to increase its magical powers.

The most sacred lustral water is made with four elements: Earth, Water, Fire and Wind. Earth is represented by the drops of wax, water by that in the bowl, fire by the candle flame and wind by the extinguishments of the candle. A sacred white thread or "Saisin" passes from the Buddha image and through the hands of each of the chanting monks during the ceremony.

Information from: "Thai Studies Through Games" Book 2 by Assist. Prof. Wadee Kheourai.

Pictures copyright: Panrit Daoruang.