![]() This is exactly because the Tai New Year began long before "the various Tai peoples" started migrating to South and Southeast Asia in 2nd and then 8th AD. This scholarly term is important, indeed vital, if we are to try to understand about Tai New Year. Wyatt, "Thailand, A Short History", Yale University Press, 1982, pp.1-2.) we arrive at a total of about 70 million people, a linguistic and cultural group comparable in number to the French or Germans." (David K. The Tai peoples today are widely spread over several million square kilometers of the southeastern corner of the great land mass of Asia. Wyatt of Cornell University, Ithaca, NY says: "he word Tai," is "a cultural and linguistic term used to denote the various Tai people in general, peoples sharing a common linguistic and cultural identities. ![]() The international scholars on Tai, use the word "Tai" to mean not only what the Burmese call "Shan" but to include also "Thai" "Laotian" "Tai-Dam" in Vietnam, "Tai-Lue" in Xixuangpanna, China, "Tai-Assam" and so on. But this is also to follow the now established international scholastic tradition, which has been studying about "the various Tai people in general". This use is NOT just to keep the way we traditionally call ourselves: we always call ourselves Tai. ![]() One may notice I use the word Tai in the title of this email and in the first paragraph. May the New Year bring good health, security, prosperity, harmony and success to all Tai! And, may the blessings of the Triple Gem be upon and with all Tai! ![]()
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