by beautywatchnyc » Mon Apr 16, 2018 9:21 am
Civilizations evolve. They come and go over time. Hence, a cultural practice may be "borrowed" or "modified" accordingly as a result of a foreign imposition or shaped through foreign travel, adventure or a national imperative. These incongruous practices are in sync and will prevail with how the locals think and feel should be theirs. They evolve through time; there's no such exclusivity there.
In example, Catholicism as practiced in the Philippines features rituals or elements that are not found in the ways in which Catholicism is embraced in other countries. So, if the Thais celebrate Songkran with a unique ingenuous flavor, let them be. It's within their birthright and the Thais can not be disenfranchised after centuries of Songkran national celebration and significance. BTW, we're not talking about purist or temple-based Buddhism here as perceived by the uninitiated.
The "gaya-gaya" description opens itself to contrary reactions, and to say the least, quite offensive, in deference to Thai sensitivities. We shouldn't dictate our own personal thoughts and belief on others who do not keep a similar view. Your opinion is not shared hook-and-sinker by all.
Last edited by
beautywatchnyc on Tue Apr 17, 2018 10:14 am, edited 11 times in total.