People Making Merit By Attaching Bank Notes To 'money Trees' At A Buddhist Temple In Bangkok On Makha Bucha Day Editorial Photo

Donating to a money tree is one way of making merit (thambun) which plays a fundamental part in Buddhist culture in Thailand. The bank notes are placed on split bamboo holders and coloured cloth or ribbon may also be tied to the stick, to form a colourful display. While a relatively modern introduction, the symbolism behind it has its roots in ancient traditions, where lay people would leave cloth attached to trees and bushes for itinerant monks to be sewn into robes.