A culture-specific retirement ceremony I witnessed

A culture-specific retirement ceremony I witnessed

Important events in human lives are generally celebrated with ceremonies that are organized and held in accordance with traditional customs, norms, and values associated with a particular community. Even though birth, marriage, and death are common phenomena experienced by all human beings living in the four corners of the globe, ceremonies associated with those life-related events are different from one community to another, one country to another, and one culture to another. For example; a marriage ceremony in Thailand is different from a marriage ceremony in America or an African country. Those life-related ceremonies of a given community can be considered as a part of their culture which has come down from generation to generation.

What I have been describing above is to tell you about a colorful retirement ceremony I witnessed last year by being a participant in it. It was organized by the Faculty of Liberal Arts,  Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus because two lecturers from the Department of Humanities who had ended their long service formally to retire.

As can be seen from the video below, the procedure of a retirement ceremony of Thai nationals who strive to preserve their cultural aspects embedded in their society is quite interesting and thought-provoking to watch as it proceeds. I was fortunate enough to be a participant in this spectacular cultural event which showed how much they care, respect, and appreciate their senior citizens’ contribution to the progress of Thai society.

The retirees sit on a stage placing their hands on a low table making it easy for those who come to bless them by pouring a little water onto their palms. Before pouring water, a small garland made of small flowers is presented as a token of appreciating their service to the institution and then their colleagues, friends, relatives wish the retirees longevity, good health, and prosperity. After everybody has finished performing the aforesaid ritual, all participants including the retirees enjoy a stupendous meal, followed by a presentation of gifts to the retirees by their colleagues and friends who then entertain the gathering by singing and dancing. Thus comes to an end of a retirement ceremony of Thai nationals in an educational setting.

To watch the retirement ceremony held at the Faculty of Liberal Arts on the 30th of August, 2011, please click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQCjmflKxdc