In an unusual occurrence that has attracted widespread attention, a Thai family held a traditional wedding ceremony for their four-year-old twins. The ceremony was conducted at Kalasin’s Prachaya Resort in Thailand, where twin brothers Thatsanaporn Sornchai and sister Thatsathorn went through marriage rites in the company of family members. A ceremony video has since been shared widely, raising interest and hilarity online.
The video features extensive preparations made for the visitors and Buddhist monks. At one point, the newly wed bride kisses her twin brother on his cheek. They subsequently participate in wedding ceremonies as blessings are offered by the monks. At some time, both kids are marked on their foreheads after the exchange.
The wedding, which took place on June 28 based on Singapore-based news outlet Must Share News, featured a dowry of four million baht and gold, with monks bestowing their blessings. The clip has gone viral in social media circles, evoking many comments. Some of the viewers enjoyed the traditional culture, but others saw the practice as odd. One viewer posted, “A great example of how cultural beliefs influence traditions.”
Cultural Belief Associated with Previous Lives
Although unexpected for many, such a ceremony is quite normal in Thailand. It is based on the belief that twins of the opposite sex are lovers in their previous life who have been reincarnated as twins. In order to avoid misfortune, illness, or injury in their current life, they have to wed each other with a ceremonial ceremony.
This tradition is believed to bring harmony and longevity to the twins, and has been handed down from generation to generation. Jongkon Sonchai, the mother of the twins, said that her children were born on June 14 and are now four years old.
Not Legally Binding
Significantly, this union is not legally binding and is merely ceremonial. According to Hua Hin Today, these weddings are usually conducted before the twins reach ten years of age, based on the notion that they have shared karma since birth.
“May the twins grow up with all the blessings this symbolic ceremony hopes to bring,” is one caption accompanying the viral photos.