Step-by-Step Guide to Asking Parents for Forgiveness and Washing Their Feet on Mothers Day for Blessings and Safety

On Mother’s Day, August 12, children are invited to perform a ceremony to ask for forgiveness from their mothers at home. This article details the necessary items, prayers, and foot-washing steps to request blessings for a prosperous and safe life.

Mother’s Day on August 12 and the belief in asking for forgiveness

The national Mother’s Day festival is not only a time to show love and give gifts but, according to Thai beliefs, "asking for forgiveness from one’s parents" is considered a way to cleanse bad karma from any offenses against parents, whether intentional or not, opening the path to success, smooth careers, and protection from all dangers.

For those who want to perform the forgiveness ceremony for their mother or father at home, they can follow these straightforward and easy steps.

Items to prepare for the forgiveness ceremony

Prepare the auspicious items ahead of the ceremony to ensure it proceeds smoothly.

• One fresh jasmine garland

• One set of incense, candles, and flower offerings

• Clean water for washing feet (recommended to mix with traditional Thai scented water and float jasmine flowers for fragrance)

How to ask parents for forgiveness and the foot-washing steps

1. Recite the invocation to sacred spirits

Before starting, the child should calm their mind, pray to angels and sacred beings by chanting “Namo” three times, then say:

"I ask forgiveness for any wrongdoings I have committed by body, speech, and mind, from past lives until now, whether intentional or unintentional, whether I remember or not, whether through ignorance or awareness. I humbly ask all sacred beings to kindly forgive me."

2. Recite the forgiveness prayer to parents

Present the jasmine garland and incense to your mother or father, bow and touch their feet, then say the forgiveness prayer as follows:

"By my actions, words, and thoughts, I, (state full name), have carelessly and mistakenly wronged you in this life from birth until now. I sincerely acknowledge these wrongs and ask my father and mother to forgive me in all matters."

3. Wash their feet and receive forgiveness

Gently wash their feet with the clean water mixed with scented water and jasmine flowers. While doing so, you may silently ask for blessings for success and safety. When your parents say “I forgive you” or give their blessing, the ceremony is complete.

Performing the forgiveness ceremony for parents is simple and meaningful, fostering gratitude and good fortune. While many do it on the national Mother’s Day (12 Aug), it can be done anytime the child is ready, serving as a straightforward secret to prosperity starting within the family.