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Koh Samui has for
generations existed as a small community, living entirely from it
's production of coconuts, for which the Island is famous. This is
the reason for the many picture-postcard beaches, fringed with
palms. Every month boats from Bangkok would call to collect the
product. In those days, there was no central community, and the
ships would circle the island, each village sending out its fleet
of boats filled with coconuts.
Villages had grown up around sources of water, such as a fresh
stream or a well, and each village cultivated its own paddy field
close to this. The water was their life-source, allowing
production of a wide range of fruit as well as rice, and creating
opportunities to trade and barter between other villages ,as well
as outside the island. In this way, sugar, salt and oil for lamps
were obtained from the Chinese junks that stopped here for
repairs. |
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Buffaloes were a vital
part of island life, and a valuable asset. Although some were
brought here from the mainland, the vast majority were bred and
raised on the island. As well as providing the essential labor on
the farms they were a central part of the island traditions. In
times of celebration, such as a wedding or a religious ceremony, a
buffalo would be slaughtered. This would be slowly baked and
served with rice and baked bananas. These events were welcomed and
appreciated by all In addition the dried meal of the cooked animal
would continue to provide food for some time afterwards.
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And there’s more! Over
the years, a tradition arose. The rice would be planted at the
start of the rainy season, in August, and this would then be
harvested in February…Koh Samui's Summer. Like many counties, a
successful harvest is a time for celebration, and at some time
during this period, the tradition of buffalo-fighting became
established. For many years, this was part of the traditional
celebration, each village enjoying the chance to relax, and
separated from the other villages by the jungle. This is unique to
Koh Samui, and can be found nowhere else in Thailand. Today, this
has developed into something quite different. As well as having
become a tourist attraction, now buffaloes from all over the
island compete with each other. The new roads encouraged this
competition, and resulted in a unique buffalo fighting stadium,
just outside Nathon. |
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The old tradition began
to fade. Now, in its place is a commercial enterprise. Although
still connected to annual holidays and other traditional
festivals, the buffalo fights now occur regularly, sometimes every
few weeks, and now have become a source of speculation and income
.It is also a way for some to lose money! Gambling on the outcome
of the fights is obsessively poplar and enterprising owners look
though out Thailand in the hope of importing a champion to Samui.
A big change, and another old tradition that has evolved perhaps
not for the better |
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THE OLD DAYS:
In the old days the island had no roads and travel between
villages was either difficult or impossible. Villages arose along
the coast. As well as being able to exploit the fishing, this also
provided access to other villages. Over the years, as the villages
increased in size, so the gaps between them closed. Families began
to marry in to other villages, and the island began to grow.
Around 1950, a major development slowly began. Each village had
its own temple, and with the encouragement of neightbouring monks,
dirt roads began to be made to connect parts of the island. This
process was slow. Nathon had grown to become the most important
village. From this area was the only boat to the mainland. This
growing demand led to a passable track between Nathon and Lamai.
It wasn't long before a narrow foot. road was created between
Lamai and Chaweng. |
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http://www.divephuket.com Division of Swiss Group
Of Company Asia
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