When I went to visit my site, I also had the opportunity to go to the opening of the Ya Mo Festival in Bua Yai. I know that those words probably don’t make sense to you so let me explain. Ya Mo is kind of the patron of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, with lots of monuments to her all around the province and a major one in the city. People always wai (place their palms together and bow their heads, a greeting and show of respect) whenever they pass her monument, including when driving.
So why is Ya Mo so important you ask. Well here is how the story goes. Back in the day, the Laotian army was making its way toward Siam with the intention to take it over. Nakhon Ratchasima lay in the way between the capital and the invading army and the men were defeated and taken to be slaves (which is what most wars in SE Asia were over – slaves, not necessarily land). Ya Mo was the wife of the assistant governor and she would not stand for it. So she devised a plan with all the ladies of the town to bribe the soldiers with fruit and rice wine and sex which would allow the captive men a chance to revolt. The Laotian army was so surprised they were able to be overcome by the Thai people and Siam was saved.
There is dispute about the veracity of the legend and even her existence. Some people say that she was invented to win the loyalty of people in the area who were of Laotian descent. Either way, I think it’s a great story about a lady taking charge. Check out the pictures from the festival (which was kind of like the Don Chedi festival in Suphan Buri with reenactments and carnival games and lots of food and things for sale.)
curlyadventurer April 7, 2013
That sounds like an interesting festival. Also I hope there is not too much traffic. The hands together and bowing could make vehicular navigation problematic. And now that you are at your site the real adventure begins!!!