Later in the afternoon yesterday crews were digging holes at each corner of the bier. The holes were about four feet deep and perhaps a foot wide- hard work. There was the reason for the bamboo poles I thought. But why only four holes and thirteen poles? Turns out that even at nearly 60 feet the poles still weren't long enough. Additional poles were cut as braces- a pair to each corner pole. These were secured to the longest four and the whole assembly was anchored in the earth. I wasn't there when they raised them. I would have liked to see how the flag at the top was set in place.
And now the central tower and the four corner ones had curtains, the base was painted, the steps were carpeted, and I'm sure there were other additions I didn't notice. Day by day the bier has become more elaborate and more beautiful. I put my camera on a tripod and shot this photo with the early afternoon sun- this time of year still low in the southern sky, behind me. So the orientation of the bier is facing east and the sunrise- same as the Buddhas that grace mountain tops and hills around Chiangmai.
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