Say What?? Travel Photo: Foot Etiquette
Buddhist temples, much like all religious structures, have a certain code of etiquette attached to them, the most important of which deal with ones feet. Often times, it can be difficult for western visitors to know these rules, so someone in the dzong (former fortress now serving as a temple and civic center) in Punakha, Bhutan was so kind as to put up the following sign as a reminder:
It’s quite simply really. Leave your shoes outside and be careful what you do with your feet, as they should be kept towards your body as opposed to towards another person, or even worse, a Buddha image.
Many Asian countries see the the feet as disgusting. They are the dirtiest parts of the body and, as such, the least “holy” per say. In the same regard, the head is considered the most important and “holiest” part of the body. As such, it is considered a grave insult to step over someone or even point your feet towards someone.
So, if you go to Asia, follow this sign’s simple directions. If there’s a pile of shoes outside, take off your shoes, especially before entering a temple of home. And by all means, don’t put your feet up!