Thais have unique
ways of arranging flowers and using them in decorations, which are different
from other places. Thai garlands called "Phuang Malai". Flower
arranging became
increasing popular during the reign of King Rama V. The ladies of the
Court spent many hours in arranging flowers. Each lady taught her own
designs to her ladies - in - waiting, and to the young girls who lived
in the palace and received their "finishing school" education
under the patronage of the Royal ladies. Until recent years, vendors
usually sat in front of the entrance of themarket and some vendors travelled
up and down the lanes in Bangkok and in some big cities, balancing a
woven tray filled with colorful filled with colorful garlands on top
of their heads. Calling "Phuang Malai, Phuang Malai" as they
went, one needed to go only to her/his front gate to buy the fresh garlands.
A lovely new garland would be given to the spirit house or to be placed
reverently at the base of the Buddha images in the family shrine.
The most common way of making
"Phuang Malai" is by threading the variety of petals and flowers
on a cord with the use of a huge needle. Garlands can vary widely in
design as the whims of the "manufactures" cause them to mix
and match - colours and flowers.
The type of garland most
commonly given to greet arrivals, or to farewell friends and relatives,
are those with two strands of flowers connected by a length of ribbon
with bows or rosetters attaching the ribbon to the flowers. These are
called "Uba". Thi
s
type of long garland is seen at shrines or statues such as at the shrine
of Thao Maha Phrom on the corner of Hyatt Erawan Hotel. It has many
designs but the similarity lies in the long length, resembling a chain
or necklace.
Vendors selling a variety
of flower garlands are always found near temples, shrines, statues or
even near street intersections. A mother and small children sit while
they busily string the garlands. Young and old become proficient at
their work.
Garlands are presented and
worn at many festive and happy occasions, such as graduations, birthdays
and weddings, for good luck. It is customary in Thailand to have a portrait
of a deceased person displayed near the urn or coffin. A lovely flower
garland with a black ribbon is placed at their base as a mark of respect
and final farewell.
The honored personage who
performs the ribbon cutting ceremony of "grand opening" is
presented, on arrival with a lovely flower garland most often the shorter,
bracelet design.
Wherever and whenever their
Majesties go - as well as other members of the Royal Family - throngs
of people line the way with flower garlands to present to them, as a
token of their love and respect.
