Folk games have existed in every society
for a long time since the early
days of human civilization, although we can't specify the exact
date of their inventions. What we can say without exaggeration
is that folk games have evolved from the past to th
e
present, being adapted according to the context and society of
each nation.
Thai folk games have been directly and
indirectly meaningful for the life of Thai children in many aspects.
in joining the games, besides the benefit
of doing exercises which is vital for children's physical development,
they can also learn to observe the rules of the games. And in
so doing, they learn how to compromise as well as how to be a
good winner and loser. The children can be initiative in applying
surrounding environments to the games and they are also expected
to apply what they learn from the games to their daily lives.
Such a practice can become a pattern or guideline for them when
growing up as adults.
The most popular and well-known Thai folk
games are Kite flying, Wheel rolling, Catching the last one in
the lines, Snatching a baby from the mother snake, Spider clutching
the roof, Pebbles tossing and picking, Hide and seek, Touching
a finger on the hands, Tug of war, Chase racing, Hiding a cloth
behind one's back, Monkeys scrambling for posts, Trapping the
fish, Humming and tagging (Kabaddi), Blindfold pot-hitting,
Walking with coconut shells, Rope skipping, Piggyback racing,
Top spinning, and Banana rib hobbyhorse riding.
"Once upon a time......" is
the well-known phrase to begin a folk tale of any nation. Folk tales are popul
ar
to entertain and to teach children through generations. Thai
folks tales have constituted an important part of Thai life since
the days of antiquity. They are native wisdom of the people,
which has been accumulated for a long time. Many desirable attributes,
e.g. bravery, honestly, reasonableness, self-reliability, etc.
have been incorporated into folk tales for teaching young people.
In addition to folk tales, Thai literature
is nauseated by parents to their children. The stories are also
as much fun and popular as the folk tales. The most famous Thai
folk tales and literature include Ta In Ta Na, Honwichai Khawi,
Yai Ka Ta (Grandma and Grandpa). Tao Saen Pom, Tao Khulu Nang
Ua, Si Thanon Chai, Ma Khon Kham (Golden-haired dog), Sano Noi
Ruean Ngam, Pla Bu Thong, and Phra Aphai Mani, Sang Thong, Khun
Chang - Khun Phaen, Rammakian (Ramayana) and Ngo Pa.
A celebration starts on the first day
that a child is born. Some families
prefer to lay the child in a rattan basket for three consecutive
nights. If the child is a boy, parents will place a knife, a
book, and a pencil in the basket. The knife signifies that the
child will
grow up to be diligent
in earning his living, while the book and the pencil mean high
intelligence. In case the child is a girl, they will put a needle
and thread in the basket to signify that the girl will grow up
to be a good housewife. This is followed by the ritual of arranging
the cradle for the baby.
When a child is one month old, the rite
of haircutting is held. Some families invite a monk to cut pieces
of hair first, then followed by senior relatives. The child will
then be bathed and dressed in new clothes before being put in
a cradle while old relatives chanting some traditional folk songs.
The ceremony usually ends with the floating of the child's hair
into a canal to signify the child's peaceful life in the future.
Another important rite for a Thai is a
ceremony to show respect for teachers. In the past, the ceremony
was held when children started learning for the first time.
In addition to encouraging their children
to learn secular knowledge. Thai parents also prefer to have
their young sons temporarily ordained as novices in order to
study ethics which will contribute to the boys' growing up as
good citizens in the future.