The Giant Swing in Bangkok, Thailand, stands in the center of the city, with the City Hall on one side and Wat Suthat Thepwararam on the other. The teak contraption was formerly used in a Brahman Hindu ceremony, during which young boys attempted to swing high enough to grab a bag of silver coins placed atop one of the pillars with their teeth. The practice was discontinued in the 1930’s after a number of participants were severely injured and even killed. The original swing, constructed in 1784, was rebuilt in 2004 from golden teak and later dedicated to the Thai King.
Wow, that is such an interesting (and a little worrisome) story for a swing! Cool post.
Too bad the swing doesn’t function like it used to … great pic!
I actually think they took the swing part down because there were a few rather nasty accidents, but it’s still pretty interesting to see. It’s a sure thing you wouldn’t get me up there, reaching for some kind of prize 🙂