Yellow Shirts, Pus-Filled Boils, and the Splendour of the Feet

[DrB0b]

(Seperated from my other thread on Thai magic and superstitions
because this is more about Thai literature and poetry than magic)

I'd guess that most of us know that the people of Thailand have a
tradition of matching the colour of their clothes to the days of the week.
Most noticeably on Mondays when the country is awash in yellow. The most
common explaination for the wearing of yellow is that it's in honour of HM the
King. This is true, but it's not the whole story.

One of Thailands greatest poets was a chap known as Sunthorn Phu. He was
born in 1786 and lived at the court of Rama II. Sunthorn was quick with
words and Rama II, himself a poet, favoured him greatly. Sunthorn
produced many of the greatest works of Thai literature. Unfortunately he was
hot-tempered and arrogant and, after the death of Rama II, he was banished
from court and his title of Sunthorn, meaning melodious, was taken from
him.

One of his most popular poems is called Sawasdi Raksa, meaning Taking
Care of Ones Welfare, bodily and spiritually. This codifies, among other
things, the colour of clothes appropriate for each day. I'm not aware of a
good poetic translation into English but as it's an interesting poem I'd like to
share this prose version. Quite a few of the recommendations made in the
poem are still observed today.

The original was written 8 syllables to a line with an internal rhyming scheme.

---

Sunthorn writes for the Royal Princes according to the Blessed Texts.
These words are fit for those of rank and dignity.
Observe them and your luck and life will be long,
Your descendants many, and your power and happiness daily increased.

Live according to the teachings of the Ancients.

In the morning, arising from bed, do not be angry.
Turn to the East and South and three times say
The prayer for the washing of your face.

Your first words should be words of praise, do this
And your dignity will be enhanced.
In the morning splendour resides in the face, in the day
splendor resides in the body.

Bathe and anoint yourself with scented water, this
Brings happiness and health.

In the evening a mans spendour resides in his feet,
No woman's foot may be laid over that of a man.

He who faces East while eating is assured
Of power and a long life.
Facing South he will be loved by all.
West brings happiness and health and makes suffering small.
Facing North brings evil, short life, and ill-luck.

When sitting do not spit, do not look down.
Facing North while seated drives away evil spirits
And keeps you safe from spells and curses.

Arising from dleep, wash your face,
brightness and clarity will be yours.

Before leaving your house bathe and sprinkle face
And body with scented water.
Victory will walk with you.

Do not allow your wife to sleep on your arm,
Wash always after sleep.
Fortune will smile on you and keep you from harm.

Wash your hair on Saturday and you will be
Free from calamity.
Cutting one's nails on Monday and Wednesday
Will keep the accursed away.

The garments for each day are of seven colours.
Sunday, Red will bring good fortune
Monday, Yellow is for a long life
Tuesday, Purple invites good luck
Wednesday, Yellow and Red, or many-coloured and glittering
Thursday, Yellow and Green
Friday, Blue or Blue-gray.
Saturday, Black to bring terror to the enemy

When bathing in the river or stream
Always face the direction of running water
Do not face the water for then the evil
doers may curse you.
Do not pollute the waters.
Always show respect to the water goddess, Mae Ganga.

A man should know the magical arts,
Every night he should practice his incantations,
Practice will make them potent and effective.
When the dogs bark and howl do not say harsh words,
for then your own word will not be respected.

Do not spit while there is a wind for if the
Saliva falls upon any animals your spells will lose
their power.

Pay respect to monks, it will enhance your dignity.
Do not curse the wind, the sun, or the rain.
Do not wish for the day to end and darkness to come.
At dawn pay respect to the Sun,
At dusk to the Moon.

Before sleep remember your parents and teachers.
Always praise their virtues and their graces
for they made you as you are.

When wearing the loin cloth fold one end
in to the right side.
You will be safe from the teeth and claws of
crocodiles and their kind.

Do not walk under a bridge across a canal,
Nor a trellis of climbing blooms.
Be careful passing under the supports of a house
Or the fence of an animal pen.
Whoever does these things will lose
His magical powers.

When you see a corpse, say nothing,
If you speak, you must wash your face.
Do not sleep with your amulets or talismans
And do not step over weapons.

Do not lie on the left side of woman
for surely harm will come to you.

On new-years day, your birthday, mid-year,
Days of eclipse or the full moon in lent,
Do not lie with women, it is prohibited
for it will shorten your life.

Do not sleep with a menstruating women,
If you do not die you will be
Afflicted with pus-filled boils and blindness.

When sleeping, if you breath easily through
Both nostrils do not put your left foot
over your right.
If the air flows only through the right nostril
The right foot must be placed over the left foot.

If a loud noise, a crash, or creaking sound
Is heard when walking, sitting, or sleeping
You must not speak for it may be the noise
of witches or evil spirits.

Listen Princes to these words. They will prevent
Harm and bring health and wisdom.
The old words were difficult to understand
And I have made them simple for you.
I have made a verse for the people that
They may understand.

If I, Sunthorn Phu, have made mistakes according to
The ancient words I beg your
Forgiveness.

[SiamIam]

If you have this poem in Thai, can you post it please? Thank you

[Begbie]

Did he decide all these rules by himself or was he listing some older traditions ?

[klongmaster]

seems to answer your question Begers...

Did he decide all these rules by himself or was he listing some older traditions ?

The old words were difficult to understand And I have made them simple for you. I have made a verse for the people that They may understand.

good post DB: the flute seems to get most of the airtime, so it's nice to see one of his other works highlighted...

some of it is just rank superstition and some basic common sense...




.