Malays, both men and women, wear a variety of headdresses. On the way to the mosque in the village or city, it is common to see a man wearing a conical velvet hat, which indicates that he is a Muslim. Those who have made a pilgrimage to Mecca and received the title of "Haji" wear a white hat called a kahja. The Malay word "tonkoro" refers to the headscarf used by women. It is also an indispensable headgear when performing traditional arts or sports activities. Its style can be varied according to personal preferences. The tongkoluo of the King of Malaysia is the most famous among the Malay headdresses. It is a symbol of the king's identity and cannot be imitated by others. The king's turban was even named "Eternal Memory". It is said that it was originally used by the Sultan of Negeri Sembilan. The headscarfs of the Sultan, his heirs, ministers, and cabinet ministers generally use yellow and white, which represent nobility. There are also specific ways to wrap the headscarf, and ordinary people are not allowed to imitate it (except on the stage).
When Malaysians meet each other, they rub each other’s palms, put their palms together, and touch their hearts to greet each other. No one is allowed to touch the head or back of a Malay. Malays believe that the left hand is unclean. When eating, the five fingers of the right hand should be brought together to grab food, and the food should be stuffed into the mouth with the thumb. You should not extend your hand to a lady first to ask for a handshake, and you should not point fingers at others casually.
The long-sleeved top made of batik fabric is the "national dress" of Malaysia. Men generally wear collarless long-sleeved shirts and a "shalong" underneath. Men are not allowed to show their arms and legs in public places. Women are accustomed to wearing long-sleeved dresses.
The warm and polite character of the Thai nation has long been known to the world. I believe that people who come to Thailand have received warm, friendly, hospitable and courteous reception from the Thai people. Although Thai people seem shy, they actually get along easily with strangers and always smile. Therefore, Thailand is known as the "Land of Smiles". However, all ethnic groups in Thailand have some taboos. If they violate their taboos, it will cause dissatisfaction with the owner or others, and even cause strong opposition from the local people. Disease, death, or crop failure will occur in the future, and all will be considered as violating the taboos. caused by people. When in Thailand, do as the Romans do. There are some local customs and habits that you need to know when you come to Thailand.
Thailand-Buddhist Holy Land:
The status of Buddhism in Thailand is sacred and inviolable. Any blasphemous behavior may be subject to detention, even for foreign tourists.
Here are just some things that tourists should pay attention to:
Do not point your fingers at monks and do not touch (body) monks.
In particular, women are not allowed to shake hands with monks, and are not allowed to sit next to monks in cars. Even if a monk takes the initiative to say hello (which is often encountered by foreign women), they should politely keep their distance. Remember: When in town, do as the Romans do. If a woman wants to give something to a monk, she should ask a man to hand it over. If she wants to give it in person, the monk will open a yellow robe or handkerchief to accept the thing handed over by the woman. Monks are not allowed to touch women during the process.
Every Buddha statue, regardless of size or damage, is sacred. You must not climb on a Buddha statue to take photos, or do anything that disrespects the Buddha statue. When you meet a monk asking for alms, you must not give cash as this is a violation of the monk's precepts.
Some of Thai laws are about protecting religions. These laws not only refer to Buddhism, but also include other faiths in the country. People who do not understand religious taboos will arouse resentment in others even if they do not intentionally insult religion. In the mosque, men should wear hats, women should wear trousers or long skirts, and their hair should be wrapped with a scarf. You must also take off your shoes when entering a mosque.
Pay respect to the royal family:
Thai people respect their king, queen and royal family very much. Therefore, you must be absolutely cautious when criticizing the royal family in front of others. Thai law has the crime of disrespecting the royal family. penalty regulations. Therefore, tourists should be careful to display appropriate etiquette. For example, when royal family members are present in public places, it is best to pay attention to the actions of other people and follow suit.
Clothing:
Thai temples are sacred places recognized by Thai people. Please dress modestly when entering Buddhist temples. Wearing any short skirts, shorts or topless tops will not be allowed.
When entering a Buddhist temple, mosque or private residence, visitors are required to take off their shoes and be careful not to step on the threshold.
Thai women:
Thai women are generally more conservative, please do not touch them (physically) without their consent.
Calling:
When Thais usually address people by their names, they add the word "Khun" before the name. It can be used by both men and women, and is expressed as "Mr." or "Mrs." , meaning "Miss". In Thai companies, employees often refer to each other as "Pee" (brother and sister) and "Nong" (brother and sister), giving people a cordial feeling.
The head is sacred:
Don’t touch other people’s heads, and don’t mess with other people’s hair. In Thailand, the human head is considered an important part of the body where spirits reside. If you accidentally bump someone's head, you should immediately and sincerely apologize. Thai people are taboo against outsiders touching the heads of children (especially young monks). Children's heads are only allowed to be touched by the king, monks and their parents. Even barbers cannot touch other people's heads and must say "I'm sorry" before getting a haircut.
When Thais sleep, their heads should not face west, because sunset in the west symbolizes death. Only after death can the body be parked with its head facing west. When Thais build houses, they are also used to facing north or south. Sit south and face north, not west. In addition, it is considered impolite to grow a beard.
The left hand is unclean:
Thais believe that the right hand is clean but the left hand is unclean. The left hand can only be used to pick up unclean things. Therefore, holding important things with your left hand will be frowned upon. Left-handers can ignore it in daily life, but definitely not in formal situations. In more formal occasions, it is necessary to offer the gift with both hands. Using the left hand is considered to be contemptuous of others.
The soles of the feet are unclean:
Like the left hand, the soles of the feet are also considered unclean. Avoid putting your feet on the table while sitting. If you bump someone with your toes or point at someone, you will be severely scolded, and you must never point your feet towards the Buddha. Thai people think that the feet are humble and can only be used for walking and cannot do other things, such as kicking doors with their feet and pointing things with their toes. When sitting, do not raise your feet or point the soles of your feet toward others. When women sit down, the requirements are stricter and their legs must be close together, otherwise they will be considered uncivilized and lacking in education.
Precautions in public places:
In public places in Thailand, do not behave in a disgraceful manner, such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands, as this is considered inconsistent with local customs of. In addition, nude sunbathing is only allowed on certain beaches. In other places, Thais do not like this behavior. Although it does not constitute a crime, it goes against Thai Buddhist concepts.
Maternity taboos:
In Thailand, when a baby falls, the midwife can only use a bamboo knife to cut the umbilical cord, not scissors. After the baby is born, the baby's placenta is placed in an earthen pot and buried behind the house after the baby is one month old. Newborn babies must be soaked in cold water several times a day until their face is white and their lips are purple before being picked up. It is said that this can prevent the child from getting sick. When neighbors, relatives and friends visit the mother, they are not allowed to talk about heat and cold, sweat rash, illness and death.
Other taboos:
Thais do not use red pen to sign, because after a Thai person dies, his or her surname must be written on the coffin with a red pen. It is prohibited to hang clothing, especially pants and socks, in places where people often walk, such as doorways and roofs. In some rural areas, it is taboo to praise other people's children for their beauty. Can't pick water lanterns. Thai people hold the Loy Krathong Festival every December during the full moon of the Thai calendar. This is the most lively festival in Thailand. When watching the water lanterns, you must be careful. No matter how delicate and beautiful the water lanterns are, you must not pick them up, otherwise you will be severely punished.