The wai khru ceremony is a Thai ritual in which students pay respects to their teachers in order to express their gratitude and formalize the student–teacher relationship. It is regularly held near the beginning of the school year in most schools in Thailand. Wai khru has long been an important rite in the traditional martial and performing arts, as well as in astrology, Thai Massage and other traditional arts; students and performers of Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong, as well as Thai dance and classical music, will usually perform a wai khru ritual at their initiation as well as before performances to pay respect and homage to both their teachers and the deities who patronize their arts.
History
The rituals of wai khru are believed to have derived from ancient animistic beliefs, influenced by the spread of Brahmanism from India. This is evident in the wai khru ceremonies of traditional dance and music, where specific mention is made to Ishvara in Thai Massage, where specific mention is made to Shivaga Komarpaj and Narayana, along with other Vedic deities. Wai khru has for most of history existed as a folk tradition, passed on from generation to generation throughout the years. The wai khru ceremony in its modern form, which is held in most schools today, originated at Triam Udom Suksa School in 1941. The sarabhañña chant was written by Thanpuying Dussadee Malakul Na Ayutthaya.
The wai khru ceremonies which take place in most educational institutions in Thailand today generally follow the same form. The ceremony usually begins with a Buddhist prayer ritual in institutions where Buddhism is observed as the official religion, followed by the students' recitation of the wai khru chant, which expresses respect for and gratitude to the teachers, and asks for the teachers' blessing of their studies. Following this, a select number of students, usually the representatives of each class, will present the teachers with offerings of flowers, candles and joss sticks arranged on phan. This is usually followed by a speech by the headteacher offering the students guidance in their academic career. Many institutions also present student awards and honours during the ceremony. The traditional offerings for wai khru represent a symbolism of student qualities, namely:
Ixora flowers, which while closed form pointed buds, symbolizing sharp wit,
Cynodon dactylon, the rapid growth and resilience of which symbolize perseverance and the ability to learn,
Eggplant flowers, which bow low when nearing fruiting, symbolizing respect and humility.
The ceremony is usually held shortly after the beginning of the first term, on a Thursday, as Thursday is traditionally the day of Brihaspati, Vedic god of wisdom and teachers.
Wai khru ceremonies for Thai classical music may be held by professional pi phat ensembles or amateur ensembles attached to institutions such as schools and universities. These also take place on Thursday, and are usually held annually, as well as on a smaller scale for the initiation of those beginning to learn the arts. These ceremonies usually begin with Buddhist rites on the evening before and/or the morning of the ceremony day. Monks may be invited to perform a merit-making ceremony, and almsgiving made to monks in the morning before the ceremony. The setting of the ceremony is usually arranged with a Buddhist altar on one side and a set of musical instruments on the other, with the taphon, which represents Phra Prakhonthap, god of the drums and grand-teacher of music, placed in a higher position. Khon masks representing the gods and teachers of music, Bharata Muni, Pragondharba, Vishvakarman, Pancasikha and Biraba are usually displayed. Representations of Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Ganesha may also be included. A table of offerings to the gods and spirits to be invited during the ceremony is arranged, and khan kamnon, a bowl of flowers, joss sticks, candles, white cloth and money amounting to six baht, is prepared for worship of the gods. The ceremony is conducted by a presiding teacher, traditionally dressed in white, who leads the assembly in lighting candles and joss sticks, and saying invocations venerating the Three Jewels and deities, asking for their blessing. The musical ensemble will play the na phat, a formal piece of music symbolizing the summoning of the gods and spirits, and the presiding teacher will perform the offering of the prepared foods. Afterwards, the presiding teacher will sprinkle lustral water and perform choem, application of a white paste, to the musical instruments, teachers and participants in the ceremony, for good fortune. The wai khru ceremony is thus concluded, and is usually followed by the khrop khru ceremony, or rite of initiation.
Muay Thai
Wai khru ram muay is a form of wai khru ritual performed by Muay Thai practitioners before a match.
