What is a Mongkhon?

Worn on their head during fights, whether in the ring or in movies, a Mongkhon is worn by every Muay Thai fighter. I'm sure many of us have seen it on television shows or even in action movies where the Thai martial artist is seen wearing it before his big fight. It is a traditional Thai headband that is worn by Muay Thai fighters as a symbol of respect, honour, and graduation from the elders. Now, typically the mongkhon is given to these fighters by their teachers as a symbol that they have graduated from learning - just like how students graduate from school and they're given a certification for their hard work. However, what makes the mongkhon so unique is that it symbolises the principles such as respect and honour that all Muay Thai fighters should have even during a fight, it symbolises their humble roots and their extensive training. Likewise, it comes in a variety of colours, patterns, and designs that are done by the teachers themselves before handing it over to their students during their graduation.