How to Wear a Sarong: Women's Cultural Identity in Isan
Wearing a sarong in the Mekong River Basin of Thailand is a significant cultural tradition shared by people of all ethnicities in the region. The cultural wisdom behind this practice has been passed down through generations since ancient times.
Introduction
The method of wearing a sarong serves as a cultural identity that remains essential to the people living in the lowlands of the Mekong River Basin. This article explores the evidence of ancient Isaan fabric and the wisdom behind Isan clothing traditions, particularly focusing on wearing a sarong in the traditional "double sash" style and its use in daily life.
Wearing a sarong is an important cultural marker for Isan women of all ethnic groups, especially in the Mekong River Basin. The tradition has been an intangible cultural heritage for communities in this area since ancient times. The sarong consists of an "underwear skirt" made of white cotton called the "first sarong," which helps protect against sweat and sunlight, providing a neat and polite appearance. In Isaan culture, wearing just a single layer sarong, especially in mixed company, could be considered improper.
Communities in the lower northeastern region of Thailand have different ways of wearing sarongs. Some ethnic groups wear two silk sarongs, which were originally woven from cotton fibers. To wear the sarong easily, they tuck it in at the waist or use a silver belt to secure it, making it stay in place even during travel. Shirt sewing that complements the sarong was widespread in ancient times, and fabric patterns varied across regions.
Wearing a Sarong in the "Paigthob" Style in the Northeastern Region
In northeastern Thailand, most ethnic groups such as the Thai-Lao, Phu Thai, Tai-Yo, Thai-Sak, Tai So, Thai-Kalerng, Thai-Kha, Kui (Suai), and Thai-Khmer communities practice wearing a "patterned" sarong. This practice includes wearing either a "left-pattern" or "right-pattern," depending on individual preference. The front of the sarong is kept shorter than the back to facilitate easier movement during fieldwork. The "head of the skirt" sits on the upper body, the "body of the skirt" on the legs, and the "foot of the skirt" at the bottom, respecting cultural norms that emphasize modesty and appropriateness.
The Tai Dam ethnic group, residing in Na Pa Nad Village, Khao Kaeo Subdistrict, Chiang Khan District, Loei Province, strictly adheres to traditional dress codes. Their style of wearing a sarong involves crossing the sash in front, making the front shorter than the back to ease movement in the fields. They also believe in dressing according to customs for life after death, believing that their soul will reunite with ancestors and should be recognized through traditional attire.
Summary
Wearing a sarong is a vital cultural identity for the Isan people in the Mekong River Basin. Evidence of ancient Isan clothing shows the wisdom of Isan women's dress, which has been passed down for generations. The different ways of wearing a sarong, such as the "double sash" or "crossed sarong in front," vary between ethnic groups and regions. Each style is unique, and these traditions help preserve the cultural heritage of the Isan people, suitable for daily life and travel in their communities.
Thank You to the Source
Intellectual Heritage Book: Isaan Textiles
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