Head and Feet
Why do Thai people lower their heads when walking past elders, and why should you never point your feet at a Buddha image? In this Thai culture lesson, you’ll learn about the traditional Thai belief that the head is the highest part of the body and the feet are the lowest. Discover how this belief shapes everyday etiquette at home, at the temple, and with people you don’t know. Examples include sleeping positions, not stepping over books and pillows, getting a foot massage, and showing respect to monks. You’ll also learn about กราบ (gràap), bowing down to someone’s feet, and why it can be deeply humiliating or the highest form of respect.
Thai Vocabulary:
หัว / ศีรษะ (hǔa / sǐi-sà) – Head
เท้า (táao) – Foot / Feet
เคารพ (kao-róp) – To respect
ผู้ใหญ่ (pûu-yài) – Elder / Adult
พระพุทธรูป (prá-pút-tá-rûup) – Buddha image