In Thailand, colour functions as cultural and social symbols, deeply intertwined with religious beliefs, astrology, and royal traditions. Each day of the week is associated with a specific colour (related to the person’s day of birth); rooted in ancient astrological systems and Buddhist teachings. These colours are not merely decorative elements; they carry profound meanings and are used to express respect, loyalty, and identity.

Purple is the colour for Saturday. It is a colour that blends the stability of blue and the energy of red, creating a sense of calm yet vibrant authority. These attributes honour the Thai Queen Suthida, who was born on a Saturday in 1978. As the Queen’s birthday approaches, Thailand becomes a sea of purple. Public spaces, homes, and temples are often decorated with purple flags, flowers, and lights.

In many Western cultures, purple has long been associated with royalty, luxury, and power. Historically, the creation of the colour purple was a complex and labour-intensive process that made it one of the most expensive and coveted dyes. The most famous and sought-after purple dye was Tyrian purple, also known as royal purple or imperial purple. Tyrian purple was derived from the mucus of certain species of sea snails – it reportedly took about 12,000 snails to produce just 1.4 grams of pure dye. This high cost made Tyrian purple a symbol of wealth and power, and it was thus usually reserved for royalty, nobility, and high-ranking officials.