Is 'wai' greeting a serious thing? Is it inappropriate to 'over-wai'?

1. What does Wai symbolize?
2. How do you properly use Wai?
3. How do you greet a Thai monk?
4. Why is Wai important?
5. What does Sawadee ka mean?
6. How do monks greet each other?
7. Is Wai a word?
8. What is the Thai greeting for hello?
9. Why is it disrespectful to touch a Thai person's head?
10. Can you wear red in Thailand?
11. Is Namaste a Buddhist greeting?

What does Wai symbolize?

The wai gesture originated in Buddhism and has similar origins as namaste in Hinduism. It was basically a yogic posture of the palms and signifies the equal meeting of the two palms. It means that the other party is treated as equal human being.

How do you properly use Wai?

First, put your palms together in front of your chest so that each finger is touching its counterpart. Then, bring your hands to touch the middle of your chest and slightly bow your head so that your index fingers touch your nose; this is the basic wai, and it most resembles a slight bow.

How do you greet a Thai monk?

When you greet a monk, you “Wai” and keep your body lower, it is polite to be the first to wai as is a sign of respect to the monk or elder. You do not stand above a monk as a matter of politeness. Try not to stand while the monks are seated.

Why is Wai important?

A wai can be a way of saying thanks, of showing understanding of a situation or person, and also as a polite way to apologize. You will also see Thais wai to temples, important monuments, pictures of Thai royalty, and spirit houses that guard properties, businesses, and roads as they pass.

What does Sawadee ka mean?

Sawadee krap/ka: Hello

A cheery greeting can go a long way in the Land of Smiles. Sawadee krap/ka will often be met with a huge grin! You can use the same phrase to bid someone goodbye too.

How do monks greet each other?

Tibetan monks stick their tongue out to greet people.

They also press the hands together and place them in front of their chest to show that they “come in peace”.

Is Wai a word?

wai adv. (Internet slang) why (a purposeful misspelling). ... (Internet slang) why (a purposeful misspelling).

What is the Thai greeting for hello?

The standard Thai greeting, a version of "hello," is Sawasdee (sounds like "sah-wah-dee") followed by the appropriate finishing participle to make it polite. Because the Thai language has its own script, romanized transliterations vary, but the greetings sound as written below: Men say hello with sah wah dee khrap!

Why is it disrespectful to touch a Thai person's head?

In Thailand, the head is considered sacred and the cleanest part of the body, so it's deemed offensive to touch people's heads or hair. If you slip up and do this accidently, apologise as soon as you can and you'll find most Thais will quickly forgive you for it.

Can you wear red in Thailand?

So the best rule of thumb is, unless you want to show you are a Red Shirt supporter, don't wear a red shirt. ... The main rule of thumb in Thailand is dress more conservatively than you would at home, and women should always wear bras, particularly in Bangkok.

Is Namaste a Buddhist greeting?

Namaste comes from the word namaskar which is a greeting of respect with the palms together before the face or heart while bowing. ... People do use the Anjali hand gestures, mostly for monastics or those in society who they wish to respect, but there is no one "buddhist" greeting, but rather many dependant on culture.