Stock Photo - Poi Sang Long is the ordination ceremony for Shan boys to become novice Buddhist monks in Thailand. It is expected that every male will ordain as a monk at least once in his life. The entire ceremony last 3-4 days and relates directly to the life story of the Buddha who was once a prince in northern India and rejected his privileged royal lifestyle in favour of a humble existence seeking only inner enlightenment. After their heads are shaved the boys become crystal sons dressed only in white. This is followed by a period of 3 days when they dress elaborately and lavishly like the princes of old India. During that time they are pandered and catered to in the style of a prince. They are even carried about on the shoulders of family or friends so that their feet do not touch the ground.