Monday is here again, and you don’t know what to wear? The alarm went off, you’re in a rush, and you just don’t have the right clothes to wear, it seems. I barely have this problem since in Thailand, as there are some guidelines regarding clothing (especially for work). You just need to stay updated with the latest ones.
In Thailand, it’s all about symbols. Buddha images, flowers, animals, and even the colours have symbolic meaning. The days of the week in Thai are named after ‘god’ planets. So each day has its own protecting God, which is associated with a specific colour. These colours of the day are also traditional Thai birthday colours. Thais believe that wearing the colour of the day brings good luck.
Which day is which colour?
Monday – yellow for the god Chandra
Tuesday – pink for god Mangala
Wednesday – green for Buddha
Thursday – orange for Brihaspati
Friday – light blue for Shukra
Saturday – purple for Shani
Sunday – red for Surya
What is the latest “colour advice”?
In May, they crowned the new king, Rama X, who was born on a Monday. Hence, it’s highly recommended to wear yellow throughout April, May, June, and July to celebrate him, and show him respect. Even though I hadn’t owned any yellow blouses or T-shirts before, I had to buy a couple to fit in school, and to show respect to the Thai culture.
Then at the end of May-beginning of June, the rule of yellow was overwritten by the death of a high-ranking governor. It meant wearing all-black every day, maybe black and white. (All-black was the rule after the death of the late King Bhumibol, too, for a whole year.) After the mourning period, we got back to wearing yellow as many days as possible.
The king’s birthday is coming very soon (at the end of July), and I’m curious what the dress code will be after that. Will people wear the colours that are matching the days? Fortunately, these “rules” are mainly for Thais, but as we teach in a big school, we earn good points if we adapt to the guidelines as much as we can.
So whenever in doubt what to wear in the morning, you can just remember the colours of the days, and choose your outfit accordingly. One problem less in the mornings, and you’ll definitely have a colourful day. And who knows, it might even bring you luck! 