Tha Ma-O, Lampang

Community History\tIt is a community with large trees located in the old city of Lampang. Tales and stories of Tha Ma-O Community here has been existing since the prehistorical period, Ko Kha Man Period, to Hariphunchai, Khelang Nakorn, and Lanna Period, considered as parts of Siam. The period of Siam and the west’s influence was the most prosperous period. Train brought fast changing to Lampang and Tha Ma-O. How many cities in Thailand have been living for this long? This old city has its interesting tales in each period. Nowadays, Tha Ma-O Community opens for everyone to discover the answer of the place. Why this small city has never disappeared from the time…there must be something.\tThe area of Ban Tha Ma-O Community was originally a waterway trading route using boat and raft as vehicles. The names of each existing village begin with the word “Tha” (dock), and this community also has large Ma-O tress by the river. Thus, these are used as symbols for the village name Ban Tha Ma-O. Many races are living here, whether Tai Yai, Burmese, Chinese, westerners, Khmu, Tai Lue, etc. The most prosperous period was at the time of forestry industry. Its clue considerably remains. At that time, many people including European, Burmese, Tai Yai, Tai Won, worked in the forestry business cycle generating a prosperous community of Lampang. This can be seen from the evidence on both waysides in the Tha Ma-O area where comes with unique houses reflecting through picturesque architectures, plenty of straight towering teaks, old temple mingled in the community, and simple way of life. These are things that this community has never disappeared and will always exist.Traditions and CulturesTan Khao Mai Day is to use paddy from barn for making merit on this day to be an offering to the Buddha and consign merit to Khun Nam angels, ancestries, and parents who were originally the field owner. It falls in 4th Peng Neua (the 15th waxing moon), January in every year.Ancestor worship is yearly held as a family tradition to inherit the tradition and pay gratitude to the ancestors. It is a connection among relatives. The ancestor worship comes in many forms. In the present, it is a simple one with Lab (minced meat with vegetable and chilli), Kaeng Oom (a Thai northern-style soup), desserts, fruits, coconut juice, rice whiskey, etc. Sometimes, a dancing for the ancestors is performed as a votive regarding health, finance, or career to be successful. It is held during January – June of every year.Tang Khao Som Toh Tradition (offering Matupayas Rice) is to offer rice to the Buddha as an offering. It is held during Buddhist Lent Day of every year.Long Sapao Festival: Sapao looks like a barque. Inside a sapao, there are fruit, savory, sweet, tobacco, betel, areca, flowers, incenses, candles, etc., so that you have all of these to be used in your next life. Moreover, it is considered as chasing away your sorrow, worshipping and apologizing the river. It falls on Yi Peng Neua (the 15th day of the waxing moon), on Loy Kratong Day of every year.Pee Mai Muang Festival consists of a parade of Mai Kham See (a parade of wooden sticks), Tan Khan Khao (making merit and giving merit to relatives who have passed away), pouring scented water on revered elders’ hands and ask for blessing, carrying sand into temple and building sand pagodas. It is held on 13th-16th April of every year.ActivitiesTram riding to see community’s way of lifeCycling to see community’s way of lifeWatch stableman’s way of life Folk wisdom activitiesLocal food cooking activityLocal FoodKhao Pan (made only in Lampang) Kaeng See Pian (Tai Yai’s food)Kaeng Hung Ley (northern-style curry) Khai Pam (northern-style steamed egg in banana leaf) Khanom Pad (northern-style dessert) ProductsHung Ley powderTung PhayohPhang PrateepHerbal processed products include toothpaste made of Siamese Rough Bush, Chiang Da Tea, Creyat Root, etc.