Vibrant Diversity
Thailand is a country of about 65 million people, but when we speak about the "Thai people" we are only referring to 80% of them, because ethnically there are more than 30 other people groups that make up the other 20%. These other people groups have different cultures, traditions, and even different languages. Today, almost everyone speaks the Thai language in addition to their own language, but there are some older people who do not speak the Thai language.
As a result of all these different ethnic groups, there is so much beautiful, vibrant diversity! A week ago, some students put on a Cultural exhibition for a class project and I was just amazed at all the colors, smells, sights, and sounds! Prior to that, I had no idea that there were so many different people here in Thailand that are considered Thai by citizenship, but not by ethnicity!
Here are some pictures that only capture a tiny glimpse of all the culture in this county.....
Check out all the different clothing - so colorful and unique!
These girls are demonstrating an art form of their people - carving fruit!
These girls are stringing flowers together to make decorations.
These girls are also making floral decorations.
These girls are selling rice and coconut "ka-nom" (snacks)..... Yum!!
These girls are demonstrating their art of weaving - it's just beautiful!
This is an art form that is also edible - it's a dough made out of soybeans and shaped into fruit, then painted and glazed. Once it's dry, you can eat it!
This group was providing ethnic music.
These girls - from one of the hilltribes up north - were doing a traditional dance.
This group was demonstrating "Songkran," the Thai New Year, which will be coming up in April. It is celebrated from April 13 to 15, by the splashing of water. Originally, this was a way to pay respect to people, by pouring a small amount of water on their head or shoulders, but this tradition has evolved over the years and had turned into the worlds biggest water fight! April is the hottest time in Thailand, so the water "blessings" come as a relief!
As a result of all these different ethnic groups, there is so much beautiful, vibrant diversity! A week ago, some students put on a Cultural exhibition for a class project and I was just amazed at all the colors, smells, sights, and sounds! Prior to that, I had no idea that there were so many different people here in Thailand that are considered Thai by citizenship, but not by ethnicity!
Here are some pictures that only capture a tiny glimpse of all the culture in this county.....
Check out all the different clothing - so colorful and unique!
These girls are demonstrating an art form of their people - carving fruit!
These girls are stringing flowers together to make decorations.
These girls are also making floral decorations.
These girls are selling rice and coconut "ka-nom" (snacks)..... Yum!!
These girls are demonstrating their art of weaving - it's just beautiful!
This is an art form that is also edible - it's a dough made out of soybeans and shaped into fruit, then painted and glazed. Once it's dry, you can eat it!
This group was providing ethnic music.
These girls - from one of the hilltribes up north - were doing a traditional dance.
This group was demonstrating "Songkran," the Thai New Year, which will be coming up in April. It is celebrated from April 13 to 15, by the splashing of water. Originally, this was a way to pay respect to people, by pouring a small amount of water on their head or shoulders, but this tradition has evolved over the years and had turned into the worlds biggest water fight! April is the hottest time in Thailand, so the water "blessings" come as a relief!
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