Giant Swing

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The Giant Swing in front of Wat Suthat

The Giant Swing (Thai: เสาชิงช้า, Sao Ching Cha) is a structure in Bangkok, Thailand, Phra Nakhon district, located in front of the temple Wat Suthat. It dates back to an old Brahmin ceremony, and is one of Bangkok's visitor attractions.

[edit] History

The Giant Swing was first built in 1784 in front of the Devasathan shrine by King Rama I. During the reign of Rama II the swing ceremony was discontinued as the swing had become structurally damaged by lightning. In 1920 it was renovated and moved to its current location in order to make space for a gas plant. The ceremony was again discontinued in 1935 after several fatal accidents.

The last renovations were done in 1959, and after 45 years in a tropical climate the wooden pillars were showing signs of serious damage. A major reconstruction was started in April 2005. Also in 2005, the Giant Swing, together with Wat Suthat, was suggested as a future UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[edit] Swing Ceremony

The Ceremony of Tri-yampawai or Swing Ceremony was one of the 12 royal ceremonies held in each of the month of the Thai lunar calendar in the Sukhothai kingdom. Originally held in first lunar month, it was moved to the second lunar month in the early Rattanakosin period in the beginning of the 19th century. The ceremony was a bhramin new year's ceremony and lasted for 10 days.

According to an ancient hindu epic, after god Brahma created the world he sent Shiva to look after the new world. When Shiva descended to the earth, Naga serpents wrapped around the mountains in order to keep earth in place. When Shiva found the earth solid, the Nagas moved to the seas in celebration. The Swing ceremony is a re-enactment of this story. The pillars of the Giant Swing represent the mountains, while the circular base of the swing represents the earth and the seas. In the ceremony monks swing trying to grab a bag of coins placed on one of the pillars.