In Thailand, the King’s birthday also becomes Father’s Day, as he is seen as the father of the Thai people. His birthday this year was an important one as it was his 84th—which is a multiple of 12. The 12 year cycle has astrological significance. So this year was his 7th cycle birthday. Though the king has little official power in the Constitutional Monarchy here in Thailand, he has earned a great amount of authority because of his love for his people and the country and the things he has done for them.In honor of the King’s birthday, there were many celebrations throughout the country. The King himself made an appearance at the Grand Palace.
We joined the festivities at Queen Sikrit park. This park was named in honor of her 5th cycle birthday. It is a beautiful park—my favorite in Bangkok—because it has a wide diversity of plants.
For the King’s birthday there were many things going on—there were performers putting on shows and vendors selling plants and food.
The day culminated with fireworks throughout the country. From our 22nd floor balcony we could see about a dozen different sets of fireworks throughout Bangkok—including one from the temple grounds next to our apartment building.
In December we also honor another King’s birthday.
Christmas is a day when we celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. In recent years I have been less and less into celebrating Christmas because the holiday in many places has been turned into a celebration of self and wealth. Even here in Thailand the Christmas displays seem more designed to draw you to the shopping malls than to make you think about Jesus. The holiday has little to do with Jesus anymore and in my home country it is almost illegal in public events and institutions to associate the holiday with the person it was named after.
But this celebration of the King’s birthday in Thailand has got me wondering—do we citizen’s of Christ’s Kingdom celebrate and honor our King as much as the citizens of Thailand do their King? I realize that there is more to this than just throwing a big party once a year. In fact, Jesus himself talked down public shows of faith in lieu of day-to-day honoring God with the way we live our lives. He was not impressed with those who made a big show of their prayers (Matthew 6:5ff) and giving (Mark 12:41-44). Though he did allow people to worship Him in an out ward fashion such as the woman who washed his feet with her hair and anointed him with expensive perfume (Luke 7:36-50) or when he went to Jerusalem for that last time in an event we now refer to as Palm Sunday (John 12:12-14).
Instead Jesus’ teaching seem to make it clear that the way to show our great love for Him of to show great love for others—especially those who can’t reciprocate. (Matthew 25:31-46 is just one example).
So how will I celebrate the King’s birthday this year?
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| Fireworks viewed from our apartment |
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| Chinese magicians perform |
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| Clown getting directions |
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| The tallest Thai person I've seen :) |
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| Mailbox for birthday cards for the King |
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| Coconut sherbert served in the shell. I'm wearing a bracelet to commemorate the King's birthday |
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