Thai culture…and the wonderful smell of fresh flowers.

Asian cultures are known for their superstitions and spirit worship. In Thailand, a belief in the supernatural permeates almost every aspect of daily life. The Thai language is full of idioms and sayings that recognize a wider cosmic order, words such as: chok (luck), duang (astrological power), pee (spirits) kam (karma), sawan (heaven), and phromlikit (fate) are part of many popular phrases in Thailand.

According to Thai spirituality, what happens to us in this life is determined by our actions in previous lives, and by external powers, or supernatural forces which are largely beyond human control. As a consequence of these forces, every place is powerful, and has the potential to be dangerous.  Thai’s believe that it is necessary to continually protect oneself, and others, from harm, sickness, and misfortune. There are spirits that dwell in every corner, and they are thought to control our luck, danger, and calamity, and so it is that even though many Thai people reject the existence of such entities, they do not dismiss them.

There is a popular Thai saying which roughly translates: “Even if you don’t believe in something, no one is sure. Surely it is better not to ridicule those things that are uncertain”.

When people buy cars in Thailand, it is almost compulsory to have it blessed by a monk.  On the ceiling of many cars, just above where the driver sits, a monk paints a blessing, usually something that looks like a bunch of dots in a pyramid shape.  Often they will tie color ribbons around the rear-view mirror or steering wheel.

Those of you who have been in a Thai’s car might have noticed a jasmine garland hanging from the mirror. You can buy these at most intersections for about 20 baht. You are supposed to hang these garlands as an offering to the shrine – for the guardian spirit who looks after your car. Before you hang the garland you should recite a short prayer asking for protection.

It is hard for me to believe in this kind of thing. Even though the national religion in Thailand is Buddhism, it should be made clear that this has nothing to do with Buddhism.

What I don’t like about it.. is how much some people believe in the protection of their shrine in the car. I have been in cars where the driver changes out the flowers–and then after he has made a short prayer starts tailgating everyone and changing lanes erratically, when they were just driving cautiously previously to their lil’ prayer…LOL To me, they put way too much faith into the power of fresh flowers!

Having said all of that, I don’t think it would hurt if I put fresh flowers up in Flickado’s truck while he is away. If their is a spirit inside his car…I wouldn’t want it to think I had been ignoring it–and start some mischief while Flickado is gone.

So While I was stopped at a Red light the other day I bought a Jasmine Garland for his car—not sure I said the prayer correctly–but I have enough things to pray for in my life…and the time was well spent anyways~~~>and the flowers smell amazing  :)