Poy Luang” is a Lanna expression meaning grand merit celebration. It comes from “Poy” meaning gathering of lots of folks. The word is derived from a Burmese word that was mixed into the Lanna language during the time of Burmese rule in the region. “Luang” is a Lanna word meaning great or grand. The two words combined to refer to the gathering of a multitude of people, usually to celebrate the dedication of a religious structure. This celebration reveals the potential and strong spirit of the community.