Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Why do we Wai?


The Thai's wai to be polite or to show respect so it's like a man tipping his hat or any of us nodding our head at someone when we pass, kind of a polite hello.
Maddie and Nolan being polite and respectful along with Mr. Ronald. Nolan is being polite in his wai, hands against the chest and nose to index finger while Maddie is being respectful, hands away from the chest moving more toward the forehead. This picture was taken in April of 2008 when we brought both the kids to Thailand for their second visit.
Here's a funny story-luckily it was funny and not a disaster! I realized that you should be careful when saying "Sawasdee, ka" (hello) to little children--especially those riding bikes at the time! I didn't realize that children should wai to an adult that says hello to them! Poor little girl! She almost crashed! I felt so bad! She immediately let go of the handlebars and attempted to wai but she lost control and the bike fell over! She wai'd first, very respectfully, and then gathered up her bike and went on her way! I will think it out before I say hello to a little one again! :)

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