Introduction To Thai Dowries
THAILAND 2011
Thailand has become well known worldwide for its many attractions. Many attractions can all over the country, offering visitors interesting knowledge of Thai culture to be found uniquely.
For instance, there are numerous Buddhist temples that the tourist can visit to learn about the national religion co Thailand. In Bangkok, the capital city of the country, there are many important temples. One of the most important temples is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where a Buddhist image made from a large Emerald is kept. The Temple of Dawn is also in Bangkok on the bank of the chao Phraya River. These are only two of the many important Buddhist Temples in the Bangkok area. There are many more throughout the country.
A Dowry is traditionally any estimate or gift given by the bride to her hereafter groom. In many parts of Asia, however, it is the groom who gives the dowry. Thailand still practices the dowry system, with the groom giving money or gifts to the bride’s family before a marriage is celebrated.
Hua Hin
Thai dowry: A brief overview
Thais use the term Sin Sod to refer to the act of giving a dowry to the bride. Sin connotes riches whereas Sod means “to store.” In the earlier years, hereafter grooms present cows, water buffaloes, pigs and other livestock animals as dowries. The more affluent ones even provide farmlands for the family. But with modernity at hand, Thai dowries are now given in monetary form.
Prior to giving dowries, it is a well-known convention in Thailand to accomplish engagement ceremonies. This is often referred to as the Thong Mun. Literally, Thong Mun means gold engagement. In this event, the soon-to-be bride receives a golden ring from her groom. Thong Mun is somehow similar to the engagement practices of the west. However, in up-to-date years, performing Thong Mun is more of an option. Depending on the couples’ decision, the wedding can push straight through with or without undergoing Thong Mun.
How much is required to be given?
There is no fixed estimate for a Thailand dowry. The range varies. In provinces, Thai dowries ordinarily range from 50,000 to 100,000 baht. Others are set at the 200,000 to 300,000 baht. Some ask for more. Nevertheless, this should not discourage grooms from according to celebrate marriage in Thailand. Nowadays, the above-mentioned amounts are no longer imposed. More often than not, dowries of huge amounts are given only if the consolidate comes from the elite, or if they are celebrities or high-profile individuals. In this view, dowries demonstrate their economic power and influence, which is in stark unlikeness to its primary significance. In earlier times, apart from showing the groom’s financial capabilities, a Thailand dowry is one way of showing that a procure and consuming hereafter awaits the bride. In addition, dowries can be waived for practical reasons. In other cases, even if it is asked from the groom, it is returned to the consolidate after the marriage ceremony to serve as their first venture for their hereafter as husband and wife.
Factors that conclude the dowry amount
Thai dowries are ordinarily carefully by the bride’s social and economic status. If the bride comes from an affluent family, is well-educated and has no former marriages, the family may expect to receive a hefty estimate of dowry. Nevertheless, grooms should still be wary of families who take advantage of their financial resources. On the other hand, brides with former marriages and children receive dowries of small amounts. Brides who were once complex in prostitution or other sex trade are not given dowry at all.
The rationale behind Thai dowries
For those who wonder why the Thailand dowry system still exists, there are any reasons that explicate this custom. As mentioned, dowries exemplify the groom’s financial stability. Second, it is a sign of respect for the bride’s parents. It serves as a way of recognizing the parent’s efforts in rearing their child. Thirdly, giving the dowry signalizes that that the bride is unbelievable to live with her husband, and must share her husband’s economic capacity and not that of her family anymore.
Legal implications
Giving Thai dowries is not imposed by any Thai law. It is purely rooted on culture and tradition.
Dowry in Thailand
