The precise ongit of the phi ta khon is unclear. However, it can be traced back to a traditional buddhist folklore. In the buddha's next to last life,he was the beloved prince vessandoorn. The prince was said to go on a long trip for such a long time that his subjects forgot him and even thought that he was already dead. When he suddenly returned, his people were overjoyed. They welcomed him back with a celebration so loud that it even awoke the dead who then joined in all the fun.