BS: Buffalos have rites,too

Subject: Buffalos have rites,too
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 08 Jan 01 - 11:22 AM

This is surely the stuff of which folk songs are made!(from BBC online)
A Thai actor is holding a three-day funeral for a water buffalo which had a role in his most successful film. Bin Banloerit said he wanted to offer thanks to Boonlert the buffalo, who features in the hit movie Bang Rachan.

The film, based on an epic battle between Thailand and Burma 230 years ago, has already taken more than $1.5m at the box office.

Buffalo soldier

Boonlert, who was selected for the film because of his 3m horns, was believed to resemble buffaloes from the Aytthaya period, 230 years ago.

He was ridden into battle by an axe-wielding drunk, played by Mr Bin.

Their double act was so popular, the buffalo was even invited on to television talk shows, although it's not clear how much it had to add to the discussion.

When Boonlert was reported to be sick, Mr Bin went to the animal's Bangkok stable and found him exhausted and unable to stand.

When the buffalo died on Sunday, reportedly of natural causes, Mr Bin decided to honour it by holding Buddhist funeral rites normally reserved for humans.

Boonlert is currently hanging upright, covered with white cloth. A Thai opera will be performed in front of it on Tuesday.

RtS

Subject: RE: BS: Buffalos have rites,too
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jan 01 - 11:29 AM

Song or not, I personally think it is a wonderful thing; even if it was a fairly mute partner, it is nice to hear of people honouring their four-legged friends.*smile*

Subject: RE: BS: Buffalos have rites,too
From: Little Hawk
Date: 08 Jan 01 - 12:18 PM

This sounds good to me. People should indeed accord their animal friends full respect, pomp, and ceremony. The animals appreciate it, and it makes life richer by far. Those animals are smarter than you think, for the most part.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Buffalos have rites,too
From: mousethief
Date: 08 Jan 01 - 12:34 PM

When people die, do the Buddhists hang them upright, covered with a white cloth? Just wondering.

Subject: RE: BS: Buffalos have rites,too
From: RichM
Date: 08 Jan 01 - 04:47 PM

Only those that can't stand on their own ;)

Subject: RE: BS: Buffalos have rites,too
From: Sorcha
Date: 08 Jan 01 - 06:06 PM

I can deal with it........human Bhuddists are, I believe, laid out and covered with a white cloth. I would imagine it is more resectful to the bull to "hang" him in a normal 4 footed posture, than to lay him out on his side. Max might know for sure........

Subject: RE: BS: Buffalos have rites,too
From: mousethief
Date: 08 Jan 01 - 06:08 PM

Things unfamiliar to one always seem odd. But I see your point, Sorcha. (Yet it still seems odd!)

Alex