Bodhi Tree - Life Support - Mai Kam

Many Buddhist Temples in Thailand will have at least one Bodhi tree and where you find a Bodhi tree you will often see long sticks with a V shaped end which are known as Mai Kam ไม้ค้ำ. It appears that these Mai Kam offer life support for the Bodhi trees but they do so only in a symbolic way. The Mai Kam, which are often painted white but can also be found wrapped in saffron cloth or painted in gold, are placed against the Bodhi tree by devout Buddhists not to support the Bodhi tree but to gain support for their own life.

The Bodhi tree under which the Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment is a great symbol of Buddhism and Thai Buddhists believe that by offering the Bodhi tree these supports or Mai Kam, they will receive good luck, long life and prosperity in return.

Normally, devotees will write their names and those of their family on the Mai Kam before placing it against the tree. In some Temples there are massive Mai Kham supports to which anyone may add their name. When there is no more space, the Temple will erect the Mai Kam against the Bodhi tree.

Some Temples, especially in the North of Thailand hold a Mai Kam Festival where Thai Buddhists walk in procession carrying their Mai Kam to the Temple. These festivals usually occur around Songkran, the Thai New Year but the offering of Mai Kam is not restricted to this time. On major Buddhist holy days, Birthdays, New Year and other important events, Thai people will offer a Mai Kam to the Bodhi tree in the hope of a better life.