Buddhism is the dominant religion and influential in every day life. 95% of the population is Buddhist and signs around Bangkok said "for King, country and religion". Many people and businesses installed spirit houses, miniature houses where they believe the spirits of the deceased live. The people offer food and drink every day to these spirits to keep them happy.
To greet a person you put your hands together and in front of your mouth and slightly bow while saying: "sawat di khu" if you are a woman and "sawat di khap" if you are a man.
Most boys will enter monkhood once in their lifetime to learn Buddhist teachings and to practice abstinence. They would usually enter the monkhood for three months. Prior to entering monkhood the boy is escorted by a procession of family and friends to the temple where his head is shaved. I took this video of a monk ceremony at a cultural show.
Sword fighting has been important in fighting wars. We learned that men and women were expert swordsman and fought side by side in battle.
A Thai wedding starts at sunrise where the groom and his friends and family parade to the brides family. The procession bears gifts and dowry which is usually gold. At the brides house the groom must pass gates of chains set up by her relatives to gain access to their house. Once there, the elders discuss the dowry with the brides family and the gifts are brought. The wedding ceremony is simple with the bride and groom bound by a simple, light thread which is placed on the heads of the couple. Then all of their relatives and friends bless their union by pouring holy water over their hands.
