Numerology is very important in Thai culture. The number nine is an auspicious number because there are many nines in royal and religious heritage. The Thai digit for nine is similar to a symbol seen on the Buddha’s forehead. A 100 Baht banknote ending with a nine in the serial number could be saved for good luck or its value might inflate to 200 Baht. When the MRT (the underground) opened, the first 99,999 customers received gifts. The word for nine (gao or gow as I’d write it phonetically) sounds similar to the Thai word for ‘progress.’
Yesterday Husband received this email from one of his team members:
“Don’t forget to plan to do something special on 09/09/09 09:09am!! Something like starting or promoting a new business, wedding ceremonies, merit making, or house building. Number 9 means "enduring or continuing to exist for a long time.”
He forwarded the email to me. I have the day to write today, so I wrote back to Husband to say ‘If I make sure I’m writing my book, do you think that will that send good fortune to my writing?’
He wrote back: “Absolutely. Me, on the other hand, will be eating a bagel for breakfast in Au Bon Pain…”
Gosh, I’m glad Husband has his priorities right!
What were you doing at 09/09/09 09:09?
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Research from the very wonderful book: ‘Very Thai: Everyday Popular Culture’ Philip Cornwel-Smith and John Goss.
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18 comments:
I was eating said Bagel, and it was extra yummy given the significance of the timing. I almost sealed my lifetime of luck by ordering extra onion, but didn't want to burden the gods with such a significant request.
Ooh, we haven't got there yet here in the UK. I may have to go and give my Paramour a big kiss - he did a late work shift last night, so I suspect he will still be in bed, and my relationship with him is the part of my life that I most want to carry on for a long time. Even writing comes second to that.
I wonder, if you travelled around the world fast enough, could you do this 24 times?
Like Queenie said, we're not there yet but I know that I will be painting at 09:09 :-).
C x
Well I passed it without realizing it but I was writing my Morning Pages so at least I was writing so hope that is a good omen.
I remember my English teacher pointing out the significance of 19th November 1961, or 19/11/61.
As Rolf Harris might say, "Can you see what it is yet?"
Clue: spin it so it's upside down.
I'll be in the dentist's chair...
I'll be able to have a good catch up now... but I'm a bit alarmed about the longevity of activities carried out today as I have been gardening and I loathe gardening!
I was stuck in a line of traffic waiting to turn right....I would have rather been eating a bagel x
Happy 09.09.09. I can see that it's an auspicious day, so am just waiting for something exciting to happen. Not much time left.
i was sleeeeeeping. it was lovely. i was supposed to be nearly at the dental hospital, but i decided i needed the extra sleep more. yum yum yum. :)
I was cycling to work and enjoying the view as I go in along the foreshore.
I was getting ready to go to hospital. It was quite auspicious as it turned out because the investigation didn't find anything wrong which was a great relief.
Bea, you play a dangerous game: extra onion? Phew...
Awww, that's so sweet.
Capt Black, *sigh* I often wonder about these things...
Carol, excellent, good luck with it.
Sheepish, excellent omen. (I am rather fearful for our race...)
DOT, absolutely, though I DON'T remember it!
Oh Cathy, honey, I'm sorry. No-one should be in the dentist's chair, ever... I hope it went okay.
Chris, I think it just means your gardening shall be fruitful... not that your life will always be gardening!
LPlate, Eeeewgh. Sorry to hear that. I hope you were thinking good thoughts!
Susie, did something exciting happen?
B, sleeping is good; always good.
DJ, appreciating your environment is good...
Helen, SO pleased to hear that. I was thinking of you. Brilliant.
Ooh, I forgot to remember (If that makes sense - crumbs, call myself a writer!) ;-)
Really interesting - I've heard about the Numerology. I was having daily swim.
Good to meet your aquaintance - thanks for your lovely message on my blog. It's funny how you 'find' people. Have added you blog roll. Def see you around.
Warm wishes
I was coming out of a jet-lagged sleep, drinking coffee and reading emails and blogs. Sounds just like what I'm doing now...
but of most interest: did Husband feel the need to eat 9 bagels?
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