My first time in a Buddhist temple

There are temples scattered all throughout Chiang Mai. But, before Dan and I ventured into our first temple, I decided to do a bit of research about proper temple etiquette. Good thing I did, because I learned a lot.

Of course we learned the somewhat obvious-- shoes and hats should be removed before entering a temple; women should cover up both their shoulders and knees (which is difficult since it's still quite hot here). This was not surprising. But in addition, we learned that you should never turn your back to the Buddha statues, but rather back away slowly. And women may never touch a monk or his robes (even brushing up against a monk by accident requires the monk to perform a lengthy cleansing process).

We decided to visit Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. Buddhist temples in Thailand are located in temple compounds (otherwise known as 'wat') and consists of a number of buildings with different architecture, function and importance.

Almost immediately upon entering the temple, you see the main Buddha statue, front and center, painted in gold. Smaller Buddha statues surround you, along with extremely bright, intricate, showy artwork and sculptures.

To be honest, if I weren't actually in Thailand, I might have described the temple as "gaudy" or even, "fake looking" since most of the gold-painted sculptures were chipping away, and most of the decorations seemed like knick-knacks one might buy at a garage sale. But, at the same time, there was something decidedly beautiful and serene about it.

Thai people believe that Buddha spent 7 days following his enlightenment thinking of all the suffering of living creatures, and these seven days are represented in the temple with images of Buddha in different poses.

Thai people believe that the day of the week in which you were born is very important in shaping your personality. I don't exactly agree with my Wednesday morning description, but here goes:

Sunday: respectable, wise, loved by friends and family

Monday: serious with a good memory and a love of travel

Tuesday: serious, brave and active most probably in the services

Wednesday morning: polite, artistic and emotional

Wednesday evening: hard working and honest

Thursday: peaceful, calm and honest –likely to be a teacher or in the legal profession

Friday: fun loving, friendly and ambitious, probably an entertainer or public figure

Saturday: calm, logical and a bit of a recluse; very likely engaged in manual work of a skilled nature

I'm excited to continue to visit temples and learn more...