Earlier this week I heard through the grapevine that today is the Thai Princess’ birthday. Strange that classes aren’t being canceled, I thought. I’ve learned that Thai schools, especially mine, often close for even the smallest occasion, especially when it’s related to the royal family. I also thought it curious when yesterday a colleague told me to wear black today. Black for the princess’ birthday? Normally the Thais love and embrace vibrant, vivid colors, especially on special occasions. I guess I’ll put away that magenta pink skirt I planned to wear.
Turns out today marks the start of the Thai Princess’ 6-day funeral. Instead of my school’s usual morning flag ceremony, we (students and teachers) gathered outside for a short memorial service consisting of Buddhist prayer, song, and speeches. We all stood facing a small shrine to the princess – her framed picture, flowers, incense and ribbons. The teachers wore all black while students were in their usual school uniforms.
Buddhist tradition (in Thailand anyway) generally dictates that bodies be cremated after physical death to represent the eternity of spiritual life. Immediately following death, the body might be preserved for 3 or 4 weeks, allowing friends and family members to pay their respects. The princess was such a popular lady that her cremation was held off for nearly a year so everyone who wanted to pay respects had the opportunity. There’s currently a slew of live televised coverage of the funeral in Bangkok, and I imagine it will continue through the weekend.
Thank goodness I didn’t wear that pink skirt.
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