The historic Giant Swing, (“Sao Ching Cha”) in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon may soon regain its initial purpose.
The 22 m high structure, which symbolizes mountains and earth in accordance with the Hindu creation history, was erected in the 18th century and used in an old Brahmin ceremony where men swung themselves as high as possible to reach a suspended bag of gold coins. The festival took place in December after the rice harvest.
The ceremony was cancelled in 1935 under the reign of Rama VII following a series of fatal accidents. Over the years, the swing has been relocated and refurbished several times. It was last renovated in 2007.
The ceremony may be renewed if approved by the Prime Minister, the Bureau of the Royal Household, and the Fine Arts department.