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PHUANG MALAI-THAI GARLAND
Thais are people of
decoration. They love to decorate all kinds of thing. Even food they
eat, they will elaborately make it look beautiful and
usable. This way of life has become the identity of Thai
people for hundreds of years. Visitors to Thailand can see the detail
in many pieces of Thai arts.
Thai ancestors had invented various types of equipments, which are
available from the nature or used articles. "Puang Malai" or
garland is another piece of artifacts which is very popular among
foreigners who come to Thailand with its beauty and fragrance.
Garland is made from 'flowers arrangement consisting of a circular band
of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes.' that has been
translated from WordWeb
6.8, Princeton University. This is called a "Garland of Spirit and
Goodwill". It is really true because the receiver would
smile with happiness while they holding it. This is a formal
traditional Thai reception that come from northern and northeastern'
people in Thailand.
Thai garland is the art of flowers and leaves arrangement that
available from various kinds of local flowers such as Jasmine,
Gardenia, Rose, Michelia, Champaca, Orchid, Marigold, Calotropis and
more to string together. The garland's patterns depend on the skill and
experience of makers. The patterns are designed according to the
occasion, which for the sacred offering, or to pay homage to the higher
people, or for the Buddha and the spirit houses (a small wooden house
considered to have a spirit and the sacred thing existing), or for
parties. Besides, it can be hanged up just for decoration. The
fragrance of flowers and the beauty of Thai ladies in her national Thai costume
made the atmosphere very well.
A traditional Thai garland consists of 2 parts. The first part is the
top circle, which is called "Tua Malai or garland's body"
and the latter is tassel with many pieces pending called "Uba". This
makes the garland precious in Thai people's eyes.
To give a garland to someone, the maker must do it carefully because
the work itself is an art. It is considered as an identity of art in
Thai culture. The maker herself must have at least a pleasure to make
it. Now a day, visitors to Thailand can see " Phuang Malai" everywhere
in flowers shop or at the flowers stall by the road side in the evening
or early morning.
Therefore, be proud, when you come to Thailand and are welcomed with
the garland. They may put it around your neck or in your hand. They
would like to show their goodwill and good spirit to visitors. It is
the warmest welcome of Thai people for foreigners. As mentioned before,
"Siam is a smiling country, Land of ancient civilization and the
welcome of goodwill and warmth". |
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