Bangkok Temple Tours

One thing that is very typical for temples in Bangkok (and also other parts of Thailand) is that they are decorated with multi-colored glass mosaic. This is an art-style that started in the 19th century, so a temple that has these kinds of decorations is either built during or after the 19th century. Sometimes an older temple gets renovated and they put these glass mosaics up too. Nowadays, these glass mosaics are still being used.
These are symbols of the countries richness in gemstones of all kinds of colors. It is also possible that the mirrors are used as a way to deflect evil spirits, as is common in Chinese feng shui. Thai artists assimilated many elements of Chinese culture and beliefs, and this could be one of the results of such an assimilation, however, it can’t be said for sure.
Whatever the underlying meaning – it can make for spectacularly beautiful light effects in temples in Bangkok during different times of the day, and is in a way a good representation of the love that Thai people have for intensity and variety, which is also reflected in food, where they often mix opposing flavors together to balance each other out, and other areas of life. This is a very different concept from the Japanese sense of refined subtlety, which many foreigners can easily appreciate.
One reaction that I often get when I bring friends to temples in Bangkok is that they feel the temples are quiet “carnivalistic” (if that’s a word). Some people can relate to it, some people do not like it. Whatever it is to you, try to avoid any preconceived notions and concepts of what things should be like, and approach these temples with an open mind – that way, you’ll discover the joy and beauty that can be found within these temple walls.
This particular picture is taken from the Grand Palace (Wat Prakaew) in Bangkok.