Cheryl and I were just witness to one of the greatest events that people can have; of utter unity and togetherness in the face of something larger than ourselves.
Today is the King of Thailand’s 80th birthday. Everyone, and I mean everyone in Thailand celebrated the event. Cheryl and I were on our way home from dinner when we noticed the street filling with our neighbors around a shrine for the King with a tv set on the side. On the set was the event happening in downtown Bangkok. The event was at least a million people bordering on the multi-million and everyone was there to honour and respect the one and only King of Thailand.
Within a minute of our arrival we were warmly welcomed with the respect of locals. They were happy to share their glory of the holiday with us. There were candles offered to us, “Love King” exchanges, photographs taken, and all round brotherly love and togetherness as people gathered and sang in honour of the symbol of wellbeing and goodness that is the King of Thailand.
The event was so heartwarming. It made me think of the cherished event of a religious awakening when goodness abounds within the heart to the point of instant community and good wishes. The people of Thailand have come together on this day to celebrate a unity that can only happen behind the rallying of a common image and grace that is a King. As a major of history at the University of Winnipeg I have heard of and studied kings but only now do I begin to understand the grace and unity that is a king. The people of Thailand have taught me something this day and for that I thank them. God bless the King of Thailand. Long live the King.
*Read about the event in the Bangkok Post
http://www.readbangkokpost.com/articles/hmbday.php
1 comment:
I wouldn't have believed this great honour they give their king without seeing it for myself.On our visit to Thailand in late December and most of January, we saw thousands of large decorated photo shrines of the king and the queen set up on the streets. While we were in Thailand the king's 84 year old sister passed away. An equal number of photo shrines popped up overnight in honour of her. Brilliant yellow T-shirts are sold everywhere with the words "Long Live the King" stitched on them. We became part of this nation's honouring when we rose in the movie theatre while The King's Song was sung. They truly do honour their King! -MOM
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