Ghost on the PROWL
The magical effect of Phi Ta Khon masks brings sleepy town alive
Story by JETJARAS NA RANONG
"The Phi Ta Khon mask is magical. Whoever puts it on gets a happy feeling and can't stand still. Most begin to dance and shake their bodies with the flow of music," said Chintana Kaensaree, a teacher of Ban Dan Sai school.The 51-year-old instructor has taught the folk art of Phi Ta Khon to pupils in every school of the district, which includes the subject in its curriculum so students can appreciate its meaning. Young Chetsadaporn Visetpakdi would agree all the more after transforming himself from a Pathom 5 student into a Phi Ta Khon ghost on the streets.The festival also shows the local belief of northeasterners is deep in ghosts and spirits.It depends on the imagination and creativity of the maker but must be based on the traditional style. It comprises the hat, the face and nose. The hat is made from a traditional bamboo container used for steaming glutinous (sticky) rice. The face is made from a coconut leaf and the nose from soft wood. The festival also gives farmers an excuse to celebrate and gives them a break from farming and harvesting, said Prapatchai Chainok, kamman of tambon Dan Sai. It gives them a chance to dance, sing and drink in addition to making merit.