Our monthly round-up of the many customs and traditions in
Our monthly round-up of the many customs and traditions in Thailand
Some Thais still regard all reading material as sacred, so you would never see Thais walking over textbooks, or any literary material, for that matter. It is the same for images or statues of the Lord Buddha, which Thais regard as the most sacred item inside their homes. Feet should never come in close contact with anything that is respected as they are regarded the most impure part of the body.
Now that you're aware of the ancient way of Thai living and what is still practised today, you can impress your Thai host by showing off your knowledge on ancient Thai household norms. You'd be starting off on the right foot just by taking off your shoes on an appropriate occasion.
Words Mimi Grachangnetara
HOMETRADITIONAL THAI HOMES were
historically made from teak wood with steep gabled roofs that helped keep the air cool. Before air-conditioning the only way to stay cool in 30-degree heat was the architectural design and, for the more fortunate, cool talcum powder.
HOUSE RULESTake off your shoeswhen enteringa Thai homeInside, fittings would be made from wooden blocks crafted to perfection, from the shutters to door handles and locks. Underneath every door there would be a wooden panel called a toranee, which is normally about a foot high. Thais believe spirits reside in the toranee so it should never be stepped on. Those who do so inadvertently are expected to offer their profound apologies to the spirits or it is believed that that person will be met with ill-fortune.When entering a Thai home, whether it is a traditional or modern one, be sure to take off your shoes. Walking into someone's home with your shoes on is the equivalent of bringing impurities into that house. For this reason, Thais in the ancient days would have an oversized earthen container called an oang filled with water and a bowl with which guests could use to wash their feet before entering. Nowadays, the oang is seldom seen, especially in modern households. It is still a polite gesture, however, to take off your shoes before entering a Thai home.
There are many rules inside the house that are still respected by every Thai to this very day. Firstly, it'is rude to put your:feet up:on the table no matter how low it is.Some Thais still regard all reading material as sacred, so you would never see Thais walking over textbooks, or any literary material, for that matter. It is the same for images or statues of the Lord Buddha, which Thais regard as the most sacred item inside their homes. Feet should never come in close contact with anything that is respected as they are regarded the most impure part of the body.
Now that you're aware of the ancient way of Thai living and what is still practised today, you can impress your Thai host by showing off your knowledge on ancient Thai household norms. You'd be starting off on the right foot just by taking off your shoes on an appropriate occasion.