This weekend, Thailand, and especially Bangkok experienced a rare event, which focused the attention of the entire nation. This event, these are the royal funeral of Princess Galayani Vadhana, sister of King Bumibhol. Those who follow me on this blog will be surprised to see me about the funeral when I have not mentioned the death ... Is that it occurred on January 8, during its 84th year. Yes, there is no typo. It took place almost a year before the ceremony takes place.
is here, a mark of respect for the deceased.
The royal funeral is a rare event in Thailand, only 4 took place on the last 60 years. The popular enthusiasm that accompanied the event is striking ... even a little shocking for a French high in life satisfaction in having a country free of royalty to his shot guillotine.
I will pass details of the ceremony, which I followed only intermittently (a real marathon television broadcast automatically to all the national channels for 3 days). It was a sequence of processions in costumes sumptuous pageantry, parades in palanquins Glitter and Buddhist prayers and rituals very obscure to the layman.
At first glance, this is excessive and out of sync. Thailand, even if it suffers a major development, is not a rich country ... then spend 7 million euros for cremation only, not anything. Besides the hype preceding the event, close to brainwashing with his melodramatic documentary on the life of the princess, and the length of the ceremony (3 full days).
This is particularly beloved princess Thailand. Again, this may sound a bit exaggerated. It has actually pursued many charitable initiated by his mother, and contributed greatly to the promotion of culture, including music and French culture (yes) ... In short, a good person, but as there are many (and thankfully) in our world. In fact it's probably the contrast of her kindness and dedication prank with many of his relatives that makes it so popular. Apart from the King, his daughter and therefore his sister Princess, the other members of the royal family are known for their rather silly.
So putting and perspective that I managed to digest the magnitude of an event which a priori seemed presqu'indécent. The royal funeral is one of the only events on a national scale can bring the country together around a common idea. Exacerbates their exceptional involvement in the Thai event. Remember the bicentenary of the Revolution, or more recently the World Cup 98. Finally, is it more stupid to get together and do so much care for the funeral of a princess than a bunch of guys who typed better than another in a balloon?
The color of mourning is black. He was asked Thai wear black or white during these three days. Where exactly is reached the limit of my ability to open myself to another culture is the social pressure that was put on this kind of mark of respect "devices".
First, because they are not requested by the royal families, but rather imposed by those who wish to be well regarded, going into the bidding.
Thus, it was decided that in my school, wearing the colors of mourning would be made for 2 more weeks before the funeral ... And for all. Y I understood that, with all due respect, does not pay particular attention to the Princess.
It was also decided to close the bars restaurants etc. ... During the ceremony: no right to be indifferent.
short, instead of being interested in an event attracting my attention by the fervor and grandeur of the event, they tried to coerce me.
This is particularly unfortunate that these measures were not necessary. The Thai love their Princess.
But here there is this culture of "old" who decides what to do, and we must follow. You know me, immobility, j'adoooore ...
