Soe Nak and Phaa Nung - traditional Thai ordination garment.
The garment is worn by the future monk after the ritual body cleaning and the removing of the hair and the eyebrow hair. He is wearing it on the way to the temple until the taking of the monk`s oath or, until he dresses himself for the first time with the monk's robe.
In Thailand a big celebration is done before the ordination mostly which lasts as a rule at least one day. Though the celebration is organised to honour of the monk's aspirant, nevertheless, he mayn't take part himself actively in it. Dressed with the ordination garment he sits on a raised place and receives the luck wishes and blessings, before he is carried to the temple or is led on a horse to the temple (see photo).
The ordination garment exists of the Soe Nak (coat) and the Phaa Nung, a wrapped skirt (like the Sarong). The Phaa Nung exists of a long panel of fabric which is wrapped like a Sarong around the hips. Traditionally a silvery metal belt or (among rich people) a belt of silver is worn.
Soe Nak and Phaa Nung have a standard size which also fits "an average built" European.
