Some time between the eleventh and twelfth moons his majesty visits
the temples round Bangkok which are under his royal patronage. For
weeks past every household in Siam, from that of the King to that of
the poorest peasant, has been busy "laying down holy cloth" or making
patchwork robes for the monks, that the letter of the old commandment
"be ye clothed in rags" may be observed, and the monks be supplied
with their year's clothing. At the same time offerings of bedding,
furniture, and food are made and great merit is acquired by the
faithful. The King in his splendid barge of state, with its prows
shaped like dragons, its sixty oarsmen, its canopy of cloth of gold,
sets out for one of the great _Wats_ or temples; he is seated on his
throne, and wears a golden crown, and about him are numerous little
princes. Arrived at the shrine his retainers carry the bales of cloth
and other offerings into the temple, and then the King himself with
due ceremony and amidst barbaric music and military salutes, comes
down from the barge and lights five candles which stand upon the table
prepared for his offering. Then, burning incense, he bows to the image
of the Buddha, to the sacred books written on strips of palm-leaf, and
to the Order of Monks; he is "taking refuge" in the Buddhist Jewels.
He then reverently asks the abbot to accept him as a lay-adherent, and
to allow him to keep the Five Precepts, not to kill, not to steal, not
to commit sexual sin, not to lie nor to drink strong drink. And if it
be a holy day he will also take the vows of a monk, not to eat after
midday, not to watch theatrical shows, nor use perfumes, nor sleep on
a high luxurious bed. Then as he offers his gifts the monks accept
them, crying "_Sadhu_" (Amen or well done), and distribution is made
according to their rank. So amidst their blessings he bows again to
the Three Jewels and makes a solemn departure to another shrine.