TEXT & PHOTO: BARRY MACDONALD
(For Thai, press here)
All living beings must adapt to survive. Throughout history, the cycles of nature have continually manifested change. But when the selection pressures come from our fellow humans, how do we adapt?
Christmas in England is our main holiday and celebration of the year. In the dark winter months it’s something to look forward to, a chance to spend time with family and loved ones. People celebrate, rest and reflect on the year that’s gone by, and the one that’s about to start.
I spent Christmas 2022 & 23 in Thailand, and was fascinated by how enthusiastic Thai people were about it. From giant shopping mall displays, to office Christmas parties and secret Santa’s between friends, so many of the traditions were embraced fully or altered to fit Thai culture. It was interesting to see Christmas interpreted through a different culture and I hope my project shows the spirit of Christmas in Thailand.
In Thailand the phrase ‘Everything jingle bell’ (pronounced ‘everything jinga bew’) means ‘a lot of things’ or ‘everything’. They use this because Jing rhymes with things, not because it’s related to Christmas. It’s used the whole year round, showing another way Thai’s adopt culture.
___________________
Barry Macdonald (b. 1984) is a photographer from London, England. He started off shooting musicians and found out about the enjoyment of travelling from going on tour with bands around Europe and the USA. He progressed into shooting a hybrid of street and documentary. He is interested in sociology and tries to look at culture and human nature through his photography. He has lived in Bangkok since 2022.
