Bright red garments, gold embroidery
and colorful accessories would normally have been the mode du jour for
Thailand's ethnic Chinese celebrating Lunar New Year on Saturday.
Striking colors, especially red, are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
But this year, donning colorful clothes could be seen as
disrespectful in a country where many are still wearing black, white or
grey as a sign of mourning for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died on Oct.
13 last year.
The traditional mourning period of 100 days ended last Friday, but the transition back to color has been slow.
The year-long mourning for government officials is not mandatory for all Thais, but most people shopping for new clothes in Bangkok are still in monochrome.
Bangkok resident Suvannee Suttilertkun said she would be wearing a black traditional dress with gold embroidery for Lunar New Year.
"It is because we still have to show respect that we are mourning King Rama IX," she said, referring to King Bhumibol by his formal title.
Striking colors, especially red, are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
The traditional mourning period of 100 days ended last Friday, but the transition back to color has been slow.
The year-long mourning for government officials is not mandatory for all Thais, but most people shopping for new clothes in Bangkok are still in monochrome.
Bangkok resident Suvannee Suttilertkun said she would be wearing a black traditional dress with gold embroidery for Lunar New Year.
"It is because we still have to show respect that we are mourning King Rama IX," she said, referring to King Bhumibol by his formal title.
 |
A woman sells colorful clothes ahead of
Chinese New Year celebration in Bangkok, January 23, 2017. Picture taken
January 23 2017.
REUTERS/Jorge Silva
|
King Bhumibol was the world's longest-reigning monarch after seven
decades on the throne and was revered as semi-divine by many Thais. He
was succeeded by his son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, in December.
Some Thais, like Tanagrit Leartskritanapa, have chosen to stick with bright red for Lunar New Year.
"Most of the people understand this is for Chinese New Year, that we have to wear bright auspicious colors to bring luck into our lives," the 60-year-old said.
"At the same time, deep in our hearts, we feel sorrow and we don't forget our king, because he's still living in our hearts."
Many shopkeepers in Chinatown said there had been a drop in sales of red clothes, but they have offered more alternatives in gold, silver and black.
Some Thais, like Tanagrit Leartskritanapa, have chosen to stick with bright red for Lunar New Year.
"Most of the people understand this is for Chinese New Year, that we have to wear bright auspicious colors to bring luck into our lives," the 60-year-old said.
"At the same time, deep in our hearts, we feel sorrow and we don't forget our king, because he's still living in our hearts."
Many shopkeepers in Chinatown said there had been a drop in sales of red clothes, but they have offered more alternatives in gold, silver and black.
 |
A Thai woman buy clothes to celebrate
Chinese New Year in Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand January 24, 2017 .
REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom
|
Ethnic Chinese number more than 9.3 million in Thailand, making up about
11 percent of the population, according to 2012 data quoted by the
Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, an international body based in Berlin.
But the numbers exclude those of partial ethnic Chinese ancestry, who also consider themselves to be Thai Chinese and celebrate Lunar New Year.
S.P. Somtow, a Thai-American author and social critic, said most Thai Chinese speak Thai and are well-integrated in society. He did not think wearing red would cause tension during the festive season.
"The mourning for a year is not mandatory, and people know that Chinese New Year is coming. It is a big thing here," he said.
But the numbers exclude those of partial ethnic Chinese ancestry, who also consider themselves to be Thai Chinese and celebrate Lunar New Year.
S.P. Somtow, a Thai-American author and social critic, said most Thai Chinese speak Thai and are well-integrated in society. He did not think wearing red would cause tension during the festive season.
"The mourning for a year is not mandatory, and people know that Chinese New Year is coming. It is a big thing here," he said.
 |
A Thai owner waits for customers ahead
of Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand
January 24, 2017 .
REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom
|
 |
A Thai woman gets fitted for clothes to
celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand January 24,
2017 .
REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom
|
No comments:
Post a Comment