These used to be popular because they were a symbol of childhood. People respected this t radition, and were kind to children who wore them. And when you think of the hot weather here in Thailand, you must agree that it was suitable hairstyle. Long hair is hot, annoying and difficult to look after. But the most important reason kids wore topknots is spiritual.
Thai people believe there's a spirit in their heads.
The spirit is called kwan . People say the spirit can be seen in the pulse beat of a child's head where their skull bones don't completely join. Kwan protects people from harm and illness. Kwan is delicate. It needs to be protected by hair.