Red vs black: Thai Chinese face New Year fashion dilemma

[webfact]

Red vs black: Thai Chinese face New Year fashion dilemma

By Yiming Woo

REUTERS

 

A Thai woman buy clothes to celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand January 24, 2017 . REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Bright red garments, gold embroidery and colourful accessories would normally have been the mode du jour for Thailand's ethnic Chinese celebrating Lunar New Year on Saturday.

 

Striking colours, especially red, are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

 

But this year, donning colourful clothes could be seen as disrespectful in a country where many are still wearing black, white or grey as a sign of mourning for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died on Oct. 13 last year.

 

The traditional mourning period of 100 days ended last Friday, but the transition back to colour has been slow.

 

The year-long mourning for government officials is not mandatory for all Thais, but most people shopping for new clothes in Bangkok are still in monochrome.

 

Bangkok resident Suvannee Suttilertkun said she would be wearing a black traditional dress with gold embroidery for Lunar New Year.

 

"It is because we still have to show respect that we are mourning King Rama IX," she said, referring to King Bhumibol by his formal title.

 

King Bhumibol was the world's longest-reigning monarch after seven decades on the throne and was revered as semi-divine by many Thais. He was succeeded by his son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, in December.

 

Some Thais, like Tanagrit Leartskritanapa, have chosen to stick with bright red for Lunar New Year.

 

"Most of the people understand this is for Chinese New Year, that we have to wear bright auspicious colours to bring luck into our lives," the 60-year-old said.

 

"At the same time, deep in our hearts, we feel sorrow and we don't forget our king, because he's still living in our hearts."

Many shopkeepers in Chinatown said there had been a drop in sales of red clothes, but they have offered more alternatives in gold, silver and black.

 

Ethnic Chinese number more than 9.3 million in Thailand, making up about 11 percent of the population, according to 2012 data quoted by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, an international body based in Berlin.

 

But the numbers exclude those of partial ethnic Chinese ancestry, who also consider themselves to be Thai Chinese and celebrate Lunar New Year.

 

S.P. Somtow, a Thai-American author and social critic, said most Thai Chinese speak Thai and are well-integrated in society. He did not think wearing red would cause tension during the festive season.

 

"The mourning for a year is not mandatory, and people know that Chinese New Year is coming. It is a big thing here," he said.

 

(Editing by Matthew Tostevin and Clarence Fernandez)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-01-24

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[little mary sunshine]

50-50!!!!

[GarryP]

Red undies.

[tukkytuktuk]

In my neck of the woods everyone is still wearing black and white clothing. I think this will continue throughout the Chinese New Year holidays. Saying that during Xmas Santa Claus was dressed in red. I think if you go out in a red T shirt with Chinese writing on or a dragon or Tiger, Chinese symbols on. No one would chastise you. The Thai's seem pretty understanding around my area. For a foreigner you have to go out of your way to upset the locals. Like pull down a flag or some thing similarly stupid. Foreigners should not worry about what they wear.

[DLang]

1 hour ago, GarryP said:

Red undies.

Black dress, no undies. 

[Srikcir]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

The traditional mourning period of 100 days

Has ended.

So go red with thoughts of deepest sympathy.

[Bluespunk]

Seeing a lot more colour these days.

[Moonmoon]

There is no dilemma, if u r a chinese n someone who is of importance n in relation to u has pass away recently, u just dont celebrate CNY for this year. Period.

 

U can still have reunion dinner but there should not be any visitation done or celebrations of any sorts. 

Next year n following year would be fine as usual.

[bangon04]

" Ethnic Chinese number more than 9.3 million in Thailand, making up about 11 percent of the population, "

 

and owning ? per cent of the wealth?

[Eligius]

Cannot say what I would like to say - which itself SPEAKS VOLUMES!