Culture And Customs Of Thai
Thailand is one of the best places that you can travel to in South East Asia. This country has advanced and modern city establishments, yet they hold their traditions and their culture close to their heart. Thai culture comprises of a number of beliefs and customs that foreign people may have a hard time understanding but nevertheless, should follow them. Appreciating the wonders of this country should also go with acclaiming their traditions as a nation. If you were to travel to Thailand, here are interesting facts you should know about their culture.
Religion of Thailand
One of the primary things that you should respect in any foreign land is their religion. The culture of Thailand people are centered on Buddhism and their way of life is basically a reflection of their religion. Majority of the people in Thailand are Buddhist and only 5% of its people belong to minority religion groups like Muslims and Christian. Buddhism is acknowledged by the government and it has been a key player in the politics of the state.
Buddhism can be considered as the most peaceful of faiths. It is an ongoing quest to the path of enlightenment. Through this personal journey, mediation and keeping in touch with one's inner self and inner energy is very important. The religion of Buddhism is filled with hymns and prayers. Thailanders also follow the basics of Buddhist wisdom that allows them to lead a life of faith. These include the concepts of the Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path and the Kalama Sutta.
Arts
Thailand art is acclaimed all over the world. Their art is also greatly influenced by their religion. Traditional and modern arts of Thailand are the works of craftsmanship and creativity. You can find a number of Buddha art being displayed all over the museums of Thailand.
Thailand literature is greatly influenced by the culture of India. Similar to their art, it is also heavily subjective to Buddhism. Back then, Thai verses are only written for the appreciation of the aristocrats and people of higher social ranking. Today, Thailand literature takes on contemporary techniques and new Thailand writers tend to write light fiction.
The dance and music art of Thailand has been equally entertaining. Shadow plays are very popular in Thailand as well as folk music with string instrumentals. Modern Thailand music also welcomes the entry of pop music.
Customs
It is a tradition for Thailand people to greet each other by pressing their hands together and raise them in front of their faces, as if they were praying. Wai is a symbol of respect. It can also symbolize seniority. For instance, if you are to dine in a restaurant, the servers would do the Wai gesture and you don't have to necessarily return this greeting. But if you are in a social gathering and you are introduced to a common friend, doing the Wai gesture would be ethical.
In Thailand, the head of a person is considered as the most spiritual part of their body and the feet as the dirtiest. It is against Thailand custom to touch anyone in the head. You can pat children's head, but never adult's heads. Because the feet are considered as dirty, you should not point it at people, especially on Buddha images. It would be safe to always keep your feet on the floor. This is the reason why you would often see Thailanders bending their legs behind if they sit on the floor. Take note that if you are in Thailand, it is also customary to remove your shoes upon entering a house or any establishment.
It is also the custom of the Thailand people to wear shirts at all times. If you are on a beach and if you are a man, this can be okay. But if you walk shirtless in public places, it would be offensive. For women it is illegal to go topless.
It also not proper to disgrace, criticize and disapprove of Thailand's Royal Family, especially in public places. The royal family of Thailand, unlike politicians of most countries, is well loved and respected by all people of Thailand. King Bhumibol is an honorable man, does charity work and is the pillar of the country, especially in times of trouble. The family members of King Bhumibol are respected just the same. Thailand's respect for the royal family is also the reason why it is rude to step on Thailand coins that usually bear the king's head.
Marriage
Before marriage, couples should seek blessings and go to their local temple. They can consult the monk and can even ask for astrological advice for a good date for their wedding. Buddhist monks are considered as bad omen during a wedding. Since they are the officiating principal in funerals, it seems to be a negative thing that they attend a wedding.
The typical wedding service would begin with couple's first bow to Buddha as a show of respect. This would then be followed with prayers and hymns. After which, the incense and candles can be lighted. The parents would then be requested to connect the couple with twin loops of string. The couples may offer the officiating monk several things like flowers, food, medicine and cash.
Food and Cuisine
Thailand cuisine is world-famous and is well loved around the world. It has incorporated the four fundamental food tastes including spicy, sour, sweet and salty. They make their food sweet with addition of sugar, sweet peppers and fruits. Spicy dishes are made with chili while sour Thai cuisines have hefty amount of lime juice, vinegar or tamarind. For salty dishes they usually add soy sauce and fish sauce.
Thai cuisine combines the basic food tastes and uses a number of herbs. These include garlic, ginger, chili, cumin, basil, lemongrass, lime, pepper, shallots and coriander, among others.
Indeed, Thailand is a land of culture. Its people are disciplined by their religion and their nation's many custom and traditions. If you were to travel to Thailand, their rich culture can really impress and interest you. Just remember to know and understand their customs and beliefs as not to offend their very culture.