National Thai Elephant Day (13/03)

Take a look at the map of Thailand. Isn't it true that the outlines of the country resemble the head of an elephant with a trunk? This is exactly what Thais think: the head of an imaginary elephant rests in the central part, the ears are turned to the north and east, and the trunk extends far to the south.

It is not surprising that in Thailand there is also a holiday dedicated to these powerful, but nevertheless very delicate animals, — National Thai Elephant Day, or Chang-tai Day (Thai). นนนางย). It has been celebrated annually on March 13 since 1998.

The date for the holiday was chosen due to the fact that on March 13, 1963, the Royal Thai Forestry Department declared the white elephant the national animal of the state.

Thailand and elephants are inextricable: for centuries of Thai history, elephants have been a symbol of deity not only among ordinary people, but also among royal dynasties. Elephants were repeatedly used as «heavy artillery» in wars, elephants were indispensable in the fields during the sowing and harvesting periods. Therefore, it is not surprising that Thais treat elephants with extremely high respect and even reverence.

The white elephant — is considered the most valuable and sacred as soon as such a rare specimen is discovered, it immediately becomes the property of the ruling monarchy.

The holiday takes place on a specially equipped site about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, admission to the holiday is completely free. This is so that as many visitors as possible will come to see and pay their respects to these noblest creatures of nature.

Elephant treats are prepared in incredible, simply «elephant» quantities (Photo: puwanai, licensed by Shutterstock.com)

At the festival you can see elephants of almost any age: from nimble two-month-old babies to sedate elders. All elephants are dressed in multi-colored blankets; there are jewelry on the head, tusks and even on the legs.

All the heroes of the occasion are looking forward to one of the main events of the — fruit absorption celebration. Elephant delicacies are prepared in incredible, simply «elephant» quantities — there is a buffet of fresh fruits and vegetables, but large ice cubes in which whole pineapples, half of watermelons, ears of corn, not to mention apples, pears and peaches are also always popular.

Numerous visitors to the elephant show, and especially children, sincerely wish their defenders and favorites a «-pleasant appetite».

Let us remind you that World Elephant Day is celebrated annually on September 22.

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