Votive offerings to fulfill a voware items presented to a sacred being as an act of repayment or gratitude after a prayer or vow has been successfully fulfilled. Common offerings vary widely, such as boiled eggs, a pig’s head, rooster or chicken statues, flowers, cosmetics, jewelry, Thai traditional outfits, underwear (in some shrines devoted to certain goddesses), a ritual dance performance, and many others depending on what was vowed and each person’s beliefs. Kaebon offerings represent taking responsibility for one’s vow to a sacred being. Each offering is believed to carry a meaning connected to the request and the devotee’s faith.
Common vow fulfillment offerings and their meanings:
Boiled eggs: A symbol of abundance and rebirth.
Pig’s head: Abundance, wealth, and a smooth, prosperous life.
Rooster statues: Connected to beliefs about cockfighting (King Naresuan) or to Ai Khai, who is believed to enjoy raising chickens.
Flowers (e.g., roses, marigolds, lotus): Represent growth and prosperity.
Ritual dance as an offering (ram kaebon): A display of gratitude and repayment of kindness.
Cosmetics/underwear: Commonly offered at certain goddess shrines (e.g., Mae Nom Sao), according to local belief and practice.