Thailand 7 Colour Days

Adding Colour to Your Day – Thailand

My upbringing instilled in me a strong sense of morals, integrity, and the value of hard work. Over time, I’ve come to realize the profound significance of these principles. Ethical conduct has been my guiding light, aiding me in making sound decisions They’ve helped me make good choices and even understand and forgive others when they didn’t share the same values. Trust me, that’s not always easy!

[eafl id=”10087″ name=”Viator Home Page” text=”Traveling the world”] has shown me that other places have these values too with cultures and countries that share these beliefs, aligning with the way I choose to lead my life.

During a recent trip to Thailand, I couldn’t help but notice a fascinating tradition: people donning specific colours in their uniforms or work attire on particular days. My first encounter was with these super colourful garbage collectors in Jomtien.

Every evening, their truck rolled into our condo grounds with three staff members dressed in bright primary-coloured overalls. Even the driver was rocking the same outfit which changed colour daily! These guys looked like they were having a blast doing their important job. These individuals not only looked the part but also exuded happiness while performing their essential duties. So, I got curious and decided to find out more about this whole colour thing.

Did you know that in Thailand, each day of the week is associated with a specific colour, each believed to hold hidden and secretive meanings? These colours continue to influence the daily lives of Thai people, not just due to tradition but because many Thais believe that colours impact their perceptions and emotions.

While this tradition is less popular among younger Thais, the more traditional ones still adhere to the practice of wearing the designated colours on specific days. In Thai culture, the day of the week a person is born holds significant importance, with each day corresponding to a lucky colour. Additionally, the draping of coloured ribbons and gauzy fabrics around sacred sites, boats, spirit houses, and more is another aspect of this devotion to special colours.

Typically, garlands of yellow, pink, blue, and green suffice, as these are the most vital colours connecting both the royal family and the planetary gods.

Here’s what these colours mean from a historical and religious point of view:
Sunday = Red
According to historical records, there is a mystic belief that Phra Isuan, a high deity in Hinduism, captured six lions and ground them into powder to create the Sun. This powder was wrapped in red cloth and sprinkled with holy water.

Monday = Yellow
Yellow is considered auspicious for all occasions. According to Hindu mythology, Phra Isuan captured 14 angels and transformed them into powder to create the Moon. This powder was wrapped in yellow cloth and sprinkled with holy water.

Tuesday = Pink
Phra Isuan transformed eight buffalo into powder and used this to create the Planet of Saturn. The powder was wrapped in soft reddish cloth and sprinkled with holy water.

Wednesday = Green
Green is worn on Wednesday because Phra Isuan rounded up 17 mystic elephants, transformed them into powder, and created the planet Pluto. This powder was wrapped in a green leaf and sprinkled with holy water.

Thursday = Orange
Phra Isuan powdered 19 hermits and wrapped them in reddish-orange cloth, creating the Planet of Mars.

Friday = Blue
On this day, Phra Isuan turned 21 bullocks into powder, wrapped them in blue cloth, and sprinkled holy water to create the planet Venus. Thais often wear blue on Fridays.

Saturday = Purple
Phra Isuan captured 10 tigers, sprinkled powder on them, wrapped them in a purple cloth, and created the planet Saturn.

It’s worth noting that Queen Suthida, born on Saturday, June 3, 1978, has a special connection to the colour purple.
The Thai National Flag
The national flag of Thailand holds great significance, with its colours representing three pillars of Thai culture: the nation (red), religion (white), and royalty (blue). Red symbolizes the lifeblood of the land and its people, while white represents purity, signifying Theravada Buddhism, Thailand’s predominant religion. Blue, the national colour, holds historical roots.

You might wonder why royalty is associated with blue instead of yellow. The answer is quite straightforward: in 1917, the middle colour of the flag was changed from red to dark blue to align with the auspicious colour of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), who was born on a Saturday. Since then, the flag has retained its current design.

As I keep exploring Thailand, you’ll see that Buddhist monks wear orange robes. It’s not because they were all born on Thursdays – it’s more about the simplicity and letting go of material stuff. Long ago, they got their orange colour from natural sources like roots or trees. Nowadays, it’s a brighter orange thanks to modern dyes.

So, when you’re in Thailand, make sure to pay attention to the colours you wear. It’s a way to show respect and connect with their culture. For instance, if you have business meetings on a Monday, consider incorporating some yellow into your attire as a gesture of appreciation.

Stay happy…Sheridan-Leigh

more at wikipedia.