From Clapsticks to Flutes

Times change, nothing stays the same.  That's very obvious with the Sakon Nakhon Chinese celebration in December. The yearly tradition continues with less fanfare.

Don't get me wrong, it was great fun today, things have changed.

Missing from today's celebrations were clapsticks, face painting, cobras, ankle wraps, high pole acts, just to name a few.

 Weeks before the event, 
 neighborhood kids would 
 spend their free times training with clapsticks. 

 There were a few painful learning moments.

 Participants arrived the evening before 
 and spent the night at the shrine for makeup 
 and a sleepover

 The high pole dragon fight 
 hasn't been part of the celebration 
 for a number of years

The human totem pole also has gone the way of history

Banners which were carried by two persons were this year pushed on racks. Eight banners pushed by four people per rack 

Totally missing this year was the fancy attire

Seems to me there were a few extra yellow lions in past years

  

New this year was a truck platform with a musical group and kids playing flutes

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon x