The elephant in Thailand is a sacred animal and a symbol of the country

In many oriental tales and legends, the elephant acts as a wise and obedient animal, which helped a person in many tasks: carrying the heaviest loads, during hot battles, in the construction of various construction projects, as a convenient vehicle.

Elephants in Thailand enjoy special respect and reverence. This sacred animal of Thailand has deservedly found its place on the flag of this eastern country. Of course, this applies to all animals, but the most serious reverence is the white elephant, the number of which has begun to decline sharply in recent decades.

According to popular beliefs and local legends, the white elephant carried the remains of the Buddha on itself, which automatically elevated this animal to the category of the most respected and valued.

Already now to meet a white elephant is a great success. Thai traditions prescribe that these mighty giants be treated with all possible respect, which is reflected in works of art, as well as personal assessments.

Elephants in Thailand - the key to good luck in all endeavors

Thai beliefs attribute to these wonderful huge animals a remarkable ability to bring good luck. This is probably why tourists can see sculptures of elephants in the most unexpected places - squares, temples, and some other sacred Thai places.

The flag of the state, as well as the coins of Thailand, also did not escape a similar fate - you can easily observe the elephant there. In a word, an elephant is a reliable companion in a wide variety of construction activities and in life.

Characteristics and some features

Thai elephants differ from their African counterparts in a much smaller size, but they still look very impressive and powerful. The life expectancy of these beautiful giants reaches up to 80 years. But the death of these animals has nothing to do with old age. They grind their teeth, which prevents them from eating normally. Therefore, most often they die due to the fact that they cannot lead their usual way of life due to severe hunger.

Elephants usually wait a very long time for their cubs - about a year and a half. At the same time, most often they give birth to one baby elephant. Clever animals guard the moment of childbirth with a tribeswoman so that she does not accidentally crush a newborn baby elephant.

Elephants in Thailand almost without fail are participants in most local holidays and all kinds of solemn events. Local residents show exceptional respect for elephants, as they assume that their presence will surely bring success and good luck in almost all good undertakings.

Elephants in Thailand, as full participants in the festivities, are decorated and dressed up in every possible way to highlight their significant role in any solemn occasion.

Thais believe that places where elephants stopped at a rookery, and also participated in various hostilities, make these places sacred. Perhaps that is why temples are being built here, as if reminding of the importance of the largest land animals.

ancient legends

One of the most beautiful legends that the locals believe in is the legend of a white lotus flower, which presented a white elephant in a dream to Princess Sirimahamaya, thus announcing the news of the impending birth of a holy child in such an amazing way. This is one of the reasons why the white elephant is strictly protected by the state. Elephants with pale pink spots on their skin are considered extremely rare. Therefore, they are carefully protected.

Noting the importance and reverence of this animal, the King of Thailand presents the Order of the White Elephant, adorned with precious stones, to the most devoted and distinguished subjects.

The award of such a sign speaks of great favor to the one who showed valor and courage, as well as a sign of the deepest respect and outstanding merits.

Elephants increase the efficiency of the tourism business

Such huge popularity of elephants in Thailand has led to an expansion of tourist love. Most tourist excursions cannot pass without the participation of elephants. These smart animals can be trained, with their participation it is possible to hold a wide variety of theatrical performances, during which these seemingly clumsy animals demonstrate miracles of dexterity.

Tourists are just great about walking on elephants. Without such a trip, the impressions of visiting Thailand would be far from complete. Tourists appreciate this opportunity, which contributes to an unforgettable experience.

Elephant Celebrations in Thailand

The largest and most solemn processions, in which elephants become participants, take place in November. It was then that large-scale processions of elephants pass through the streets of Thailand. Residents and guests of the holiday feed the animals with the most delicious fruits, stroke them, and can also fully enjoy the sea of impressions from an elephant ride. Such a trip will especially appeal to both children and adults who love thrills and vivid unforgettable emotions. Despite the outward sluggishness, elephants may well demonstrate the most unexpected and interesting skills that even acrobats will not be able to do. So, elephants can dance, throw balls, and these animals are not alien to riding a bicycle, no matter how surprising it may sound!

But, probably, the most popular type of creativity that these giants are engaged in is the ability to draw well and competently. Elephant art, by the way, is the most popular.

Along with this, there are many negative things - the number of elephants in Thailand began to decline rapidly. The government is taking all possible measures to restore the population of this amazing and very intelligent animal.