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Overtures
ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS
13
MARCH
Gigantic Feast!
The elephant, ‘chang’ in Thai,
is one of the enduring symbols
of Thailand that’s played an
important role in the history
and culture of the kingdom.
In 1998, the Thai authorities
formally recognise their
significance by designating
March 13 as National Thai
Elephant Day. Even during King
Rama II’s reign in 1817, when
the country was still known as
Siam, the flag represented a
white elephant.
On Elephant Day, various
events take place in zoos and
elephant parks throughout
Thailand. A huge banquet of
fruits and sugar cane spreads
out for them to indulge. In some
cases, Buddhist ceremonies are
held with the aim of bringing
good luck for the elephant and
its mahout.
When travelling around
Thailand, you will also notice
many Thai temples with
depictions of elephants – from
statues to mural paintings.
In the Buddhist legend, it is
believed that Queen Maya
(Buddha’s mother) conceived
after the dream of a white
elephant holding a lotus in its
trunk entered her womb. This
is why the white elephant is
seen as highly auspicious and
enjoys royal status in Thailand.
Buddhism in Thailand also
incorporates elements of Hindu
beliefs and it is common to
see elephants together with
Hindu gods and deities. The
Hindu god Ganesh with an
elephant’s head and Erawan,
the white elephant often seen
carrying the god Indra, are
often depicted in shrines and at
temples in Thailand.
T-shirts and souvenirs, as
well as everyday objects, draw
the hard-working creatures
in realistic portraits to playful
illustrations. Some Thai hotels
offer towels with elephant
logos, whilst restaurants
and coffee shops in Thailand
may also feature elephants
on plates or cups in warm
affection. Here’s to spotting an
elephant in any shape or form
on this day. tourismthailand.org
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