Beliefs and superstitions have long been an inseparable part of Thai culture. Thai society is rich in traditional beliefs. Some serve as reminders to live with caution and mindfulness, while others have been passed down from generation to generation. For example, hearing a house gecko chirp before leaving home is believed to be a bad omen, and twitching of the right eye is thought to foretell misfortune. Nevertheless, these are personal beliefs. As long as they do not interfere with daily life, there is nothing wrong with respecting them. Let’s explore some well-known Thai beliefs that many people say, “You don’t have to believe them, but you shouldn’t disrespect them.”
A Gecko Chirping Before You Leave Home
According to traditional Thai belief, if a house gecko chirps just before you leave home, you should avoid going out because it is considered a bad omen. This is especially true if the sound comes from behind you or directly above your head, in which case it is believed that you should postpone your journey. However, if the gecko chirps from in front of you or from your left side, the trip is believed to go smoothly and safely.
A Tokay Gecko Calling During the Day
Tokay geckos are normally active and vocal at night. If one living in or around the house calls during the daytime, it is traditionally regarded as a sign of misfortune. According to ancient belief, the tokay gecko is thought to be the spirit of deceased grandparents who remain to watch over and protect their descendants. Therefore, if a tokay gecko calls during the day, it is believed to be a warning from one’s ancestors that danger may be approaching.
A Monitor Lizard Entering the House
According to traditional belief, if a monitor lizard enters or crawls into your home, you should speak only positive words and never chase it away by hitting it or shouting at it with harsh language. Some people believe that a monitor lizard entering the house is actually a good sign or helps ward off misfortune and attract good fortune. Some even believe it has brought them luck, with stories of people winning the lottery after a monitor lizard entered their home.
A Barn Owl Perching on the Roof
Traditional belief says that if a barn owl or an owl lands on the roof of a house, it is a sign of bad luck and may even foretell a death in the family. Because barn owls are nocturnal birds, people in ancient times believed they were spirit birds that brought misfortune. Their large wings, silent flight, and eerie appearance at night made them seem mysterious and frightening. Combined with their unsettling eyes, they were often associated with ghosts and evil spirits.
Bees Building a Hive in the House
According to traditional belief, if bees build a hive in or around a house, it is a sign that the household will receive good fortune and prosperity. People believe that the hive should never be destroyed or driven away, as doing so may bring misfortune. Bees are regarded as lucky insects because they are hardworking, live together in harmony, and build large hives with hundreds of members. For this reason, when bees choose to build a hive at a home, it is believed that they bring happiness and prosperity to the family.
Avoid Displaying Giant Images or Statues in the House
In Thailand, statues and images of giants are commonly seen at temples and other public places rather than inside homes. Traditional belief holds that displaying giant statues or pictures in a house may lead to frequent conflicts among family members and bring trouble to the household.
Avoid Sleeping with Your Head Facing West
The direction in which one sleeps has long been part of traditional Thai belief. Since ancient times, people have believed that one should not sleep with the head facing west because it is considered the direction of the deceased. It is believed that sleeping with the head facing west may lead to nightmares, sleep paralysis, or encounters with spirits, leaving a person feeling unrested after waking up. For this reason, many people still avoid sleeping with their head facing west even today.
Avoid Cutting Your Hair on Wednesday
The belief that one should not cut their hair on Wednesday has several origins. One explanation is that, in the past, Wednesday was the day when the king received a royal haircut. Ordinary people therefore avoided cutting their hair on the same day out of respect, believing it inappropriate to imitate the monarch. Another belief associates Wednesday with agriculture and the beginning of growth and prosperity. Therefore, people believed that no form of “cutting,” including cutting one’s hair, should be done on that day, as it might symbolically interrupt growth and bring bad luck or conflicts with others.
Eye Twitching
Many people have probably heard the saying, “Right is bad, left is good.” According to traditional Thai belief, during the daytime, twitching of the left eye is believed to foretell misfortune, disappointment, or bad luck, while twitching of the right eye is considered a sign of good fortune. At night, however, the meaning is reversed. A twitching right eye is believed to foretell bad luck or unfortunate events, whereas a twitching left eye is thought to bring good fortune, especially through friends.
These beliefs have been passed down through generations. Some may simply be traditional wisdom intended to remind us to live carefully and not take life for granted. Whether or not you believe them, they can serve as a reminder to stay mindful in everyday life. If you enjoy our articles, please visit the ARM’S ARMOR website. You can also like and follow the ARM’S ARMOR Facebook page to stay updated with our latest articles. We have many more interesting stories waiting for you.