Second Day of the Vegetarian Festival

What Is Second Day of the Vegetarian Festival?

The Second Day of the Vegetarian Festival is a continuation of the annual nine-day observance rooted in Chinese Taoist tradition. Known locally as ‘Tesagan Kin Jae’ (Thai: เทศกาลกินเจ) or ‘Jia Chai’ in Hokkien Chinese, this period is dedicated to spiritual and physical purification. Participants commit to a strict vegan diet and adhere to a series of practices designed to cleanse the body and mind.

This festival is prominently observed in Thailand, particularly in the southern province of Phuket, which hosts some of the most elaborate and well-known celebrations. While each day of the festival maintains the core principles, the second day signifies the ongoing commitment to abstinence and traditional observances. It reflects a communal dedication to the established principles of the broader festival.

History and Origins of Second Day of the Vegetarian Festival

The origins of the Vegetarian Festival itself are largely attributed to the strong Chinese immigrant communities in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. A widely accepted account dates back to 1825 in Phuket, when a travelling Chinese opera troupe fell ill with malaria. They reportedly adopted a strict vegetarian diet and prayed to the Nine Emperor Gods (Kiew Ong Tai Teh) for recovery. Upon their swift recuperation, the local community adopted the practice.

The festival subsequently grew, incorporating more elements of Taoist worship and local Thai-Chinese customs. The nine-day duration corresponds to the nine Emperor Gods, whose presence is believed to descend to Earth during this period. The Second Day of the festival, therefore, represents the continuation of this established tradition, following the initial commencement and deepening the collective observance of its principles.

How Second Day of the Vegetarian Festival Is Celebrated

Celebrations on the Second Day of the Vegetarian Festival follow the established customs of the entire nine-day period. Participants, known as ‘Kin Jae’ (literally ‘to eat vegetarian’), maintain their commitment to a specific vegan diet. This diet excludes all animal products, as well as certain strong-smelling vegetables like garlic, onions, and chives, which are believed to stimulate emotions.

Dietary and Behavioural Observances

Adherents typically wear white clothing as a symbol of purity throughout the festival. They often visit Chinese temples and shrines to make offerings, meditate, and pray to the Nine Emperor Gods. The atmosphere in areas observing the festival is marked by an abundance of ‘Kin Jae’ food stalls, offering a wide variety of vegan dishes prepared according to the festival’s strict rules.

Phuket-Specific Practices

In Phuket, the festival’s observances can be particularly intense, continuing into the second day and beyond. Some devoted participants, known as ‘mah song’ (spirit mediums), engage in acts of self-mutilation, such as body piercing with various objects or fire-walking. These acts are performed to demonstrate devotion, transfer sins from the community, and invite the spirits of the gods into their bodies. These specific rituals are primarily concentrated in Phuket and are not universally observed across all regions participating in the festival.

When Is Second Day of the Vegetarian Festival?

The Second Day of the Vegetarian Festival is part of a nine-day celebration that occurs during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. Due to its basis in a lunar calendar, its dates vary annually when aligned with the Gregorian calendar. The festival typically commences on the first day of the ninth Chinese lunar month.

Consequently, the Second Day falls on the second day of this lunar month. In Gregorian terms, this usually places the festival sometime in September or October. The exact date needs to be checked against a Chinese lunar calendar for any given year.

Second Day of the Vegetarian Festival Key Facts