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Hindu statues, Buddhist temples: How and why Indian gods feature in Thai culture
Hindu statues, Buddhist temples: How and why Indian gods feature in Thai culture
You may certainly have noticed that Hindu gods are very prominent in Thai culture. Thus, there are often images of these gods in Thai temples and at Thai shrines. In fact, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the three most important Hindu gods representing the recurring and continual cycles of birth, life, death and rebirth.
The myth of Mae Phosop, rice goddess of Thailand
The myth of Mae Phosop, rice goddess of Thailand
Worshipping goddesses like Mae Phosop, the rice goddess, has been part of Thai culture and tradition since prehistoric times.
The masked dance of The Khon, Thailand’s National Epic Drama.
The masked dance of The Khon, Thailand’s National Epic Drama.
The Khon is a traditional Thai dance drama which includes part masked dance and part play. Originally the Khon was only performed at the royal court. Traditionally, similar to Shakespearean dramas, the roles were played merely by men wearing masks and by narrators who told the Ramakien story on which the Khon is mainly based.
Sirinya’s World: Taking life in a stance
Sirinya’s World: Taking life in a stance
Representations of the Buddha can be found throughout Thai temple compounds. The Buddha is represented as either a statue or in mural painting as an idealized image of the Great Buddha who lived in northeast India in the 6th century BC. He is commonly shown in either of the following four positions: seated, standing, walking, and reclining. The Buddha’s hand gesture and posture refer to important events in his life.
Sri Thanonchai: The clever trickster
Sri Thanonchai: The clever trickster
Sri Thanonchai is a clever trickster who appears in ancient Thai folktales and is popular to this today. The first printed version of these stories was published in around 1890.
Vipassana meditation: Experience reality as it truly is
Vipassana meditation: Experience reality as it truly is
Today I would like to introduce you to Vipassana meditation (or Buddhist insight meditation) in the tradition of Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo, which I discovered for myself a few months ago. In the past, I had not been great at meditation and the techniques that I tried before had not really captured or convinced me. However, since practising Vipassana, I meditate daily for some hours at home – doing both sitting and walking meditation.
The concept of ‘siwalai’ emerged as Western styles mingled with Thai
The concept of ‘siwalai’ emerged as Western styles mingled with Thai
You may have come across the term siwalai in some way or other during your time in Thailand.
Purity, rebirth and eternity: The Lotus flower has deep symbolic meaning
Purity, rebirth and eternity: The Lotus flower has deep symbolic meaning
Once I had a vivid dream about a beautifully lit mansion with a pool of white lotus flowers in front. I had the feeling that this place was somewhere in Thailand.
White elephant in Thai culture, highly auspicious and symbols of royal power
White elephant in Thai culture, highly auspicious and symbols of royal power
In my view, one of the most impressive and majestic animals is the elephant, in particular the white elephant. In Thai culture the white elephant is called “chang samkhan”, which means “auspicious elephant”.
The story of the Black Prince
The story of the Black Prince
The story of the Black Prince dates back to the historical Ayutthaya period. The Black Prince was another name for Prince Naresuan (in Thai – Ong Dam) who was born in Phitsanlunok in 1555. His brother Ekathotsarot was called the White Prince.
Thai traditional dresses: Dressing smooth in silk
Thai traditional dresses: Dressing smooth in silk
Ever since I was little I have been fascinated by the amazingly gorgeous traditional Thai dresses.
Thais revere many mythical beings that were first described in ancient holy texts
Thais revere many mythical beings that were first described in ancient holy texts
If you’ve spent any time in Thailand, or even just visited on holiday, you’ve certainly come across representations of mythical creatures in Thai temples and other religious sites.
Thailand’s colourful culture
Thailand’s colourful culture
With the recent passing of HM King Bhumibol, the important role that colour plays in Thai culture has been easy to see. In Phuket and all around the nation the vast majority of people are dressed in black to publicly display their sorrow at the King's death. Black and white lengths of cloth also adorn all government buildings and many websites have been turned black and white as well.
The haunting tale of Mae Nak's ghost
The haunting tale of Mae Nak's ghost
The story of Mae Nak is well-known in Thailand, you might remember the latest film adaptation Phi Mak Phra Khanong (2013), which became the highest grossing Thai film of all time, earning over B1 billion worldwide.
The spiritual art of Sak Yant - traditional Thai tattoos
The spiritual art of Sak Yant - traditional Thai tattoos
The custom of tattooing has a long history in Thailand and traditional tattoos here are generally divided into two categories – those for loving-kindness (metta) and those for invulnerability and empowerment. These Sak Yant tattoos are part of Thai magic and not for beautification.
Culture: Luk Kreung – a key ingredient in Thailand’s cultural melting pot
Culture: Luk Kreung – a key ingredient in Thailand’s cultural melting pot
Many cultural theorists have explored the relationship between farang and Thai national identity or “Thainess”. They posit that since the 1950s and the beginning of the 21st century, foreign influences have played an increasing role in how modern Thai identity is made. The mixed-race children of Thai and foreigners or luk kreung, as they are know here, have become a popular symbol of how Thai and Western cultures interact in the modern world.
Culture: Thai Taxi Talismans - good karma, protective amulets and road safety in Thailand
Culture: Thai Taxi Talismans - good karma, protective amulets and road safety in Thailand
A ride in a taxi can be a great “crash course” introduction to Thai culture, mentality and beliefs. One of the first things you might notice upon boarding a taxi, van or limousine is all the sacred objects and talismans that the drivers have arranged on their dashboards, which serve as mini religious altars.
Culture: Superstitions in Thai culture
Culture: Superstitions in Thai culture
If you’re familiar with Thai culture, you will know that supernatural beliefs, especially in ghosts and spirits, are very prominent. They can be divided into two main groups: benevolent and malevolent spirits.
Culture: Seven interesting points about the Thai Ramakien
Culture: Seven interesting points about the Thai Ramakien
Asian and Thai ancient literature lovers certainly know about the Thai Ramakien, which is a famous National Epic of Thailand, based on the Indian epic Ramayana.
Thai History: The Bunnag family's Persian connection
Thai History: The Bunnag family's Persian connection
It is a fact that in the period of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, i.e. the early 17th century, Persian people migrated to Thailand. They were mainly traders and merchants. These people of Persian decent were referred to as ‘Khaek Ma-ngon’ (แขกมะหง่น) or ‘Shia Muslim’ which is ‘Khaek Chaosen’ (แขกเจ ้าเซน) in Thai. Over the centuries, most of the Khaek Ma-ngon converted to Buddhism and were integrated into Thailand’s society.
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