"Tung" is the Lanna word for a vertical banner or flag, hung from a pole or beam for religious ceremonies and festivals. Far more than mere decoration, Tung serves as a spiritual symbol and a "Buddhist offering". Northern Thais believe that offering a Tung creates merit that helps the deceased "grasp the tail of the banner" to ascend to heaven. It also acts as a signal to celestial beings marking the success of a merit-making event. Various types exist, ranging from cloth and paper to wood and metal, each dictated by its specific ritual purpose.