Phuang Malai

''Phuang malai'' (, ) or ''malai'' (, ) are a Thai form of floral garland. They are often given as offerings or kept for good luck.

Origins

Phuang malai may be derived from the Tamil term “poo maalai” which has the same meaning. It is a combination of two Tamil terms: “poo” (flowers) and “maalai” (garland). There is historical evidence that the Chola kings from Tamil Nadu (South India) had captured parts of what is currently Thailand, Java and Sumatra, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Rock inscriptions mention these victories. In general, the Tamil people are skillful garland makers and celebrate every special life event with flowers and garlands- from birth to death. Chola kings were known for patronising temples in Tamil Nadu and abroad and, in doing so, disseminated these traditions. Because of their strong presence in Thailand, the Cholas came to be known as “Chulalongarn” in Thai.

The first record of ''phuang malai'' was found during the reign of King Chulalongkorn.กระทรวงศึกษาธิการ. กรมการศึกษานอกโรงเรียน.หนังสือเรียนวิชาช่างดอกไม้สด.การจัดดอกไม้มาลัย(2535) There was a literary work written by the king called '' Phra Ratchaphithi Sip Song Duean'' ('Twelve-Months Royal Ceremonies') which contained information about events and ceremonies in the Sukhothai Kingdom. In the 4th month ceremony, it was mentioned that fresh flower garlands were made by the king's chief concubine Thao Sichulalak (ท้าวศรีจุฬาลักษณ์). Then, in the Rattanakosin Kingdom the ''phuang malai'' became an important ornamental object in every ceremony. Every girl in the palace was expected to acquire the skills of making ''phuang malai''. Queen Saovabha Phongsri devised a wide variety of intricate ''phuang malai'' patterns.

Patterns

''Phuang malai'' patterns can be divided into six groups.

#Creature ''malai'' resembles animals. Flowers are arranged into animal shapes such as mouse, rabbit, squirrel, and gibbon.
#Chained ''malai'' is a series of rounded ''malai'' connected together which resemble a chain.
#Braided ''malai'' two rounded ''malai'' connected together, decorated with pine-shaped ''malai'' on each end.
#Vine ''malai'' is a series of semicircular ''malai'' arranged in a vine shape.
#Laced ''malai'' is a ''malai'' fully decorated by inserting golden and silver laces all over the ''malai'' both inside and out.
#Orchid ''malai'' is made only from orchids.จันทนา สุวรรณมาลี. มาลัย.ประเภทของมาลัย(2533)

Uses

Phuang malai can be classified into three categories by use.

#''Malai chai diao'' (, ) is usually used as an offering to show respect. In temples and cemeteries, these ''malai'' can be seen hanging from the hands of Buddhist monk statues along with votive candles. Chained ''malai'' and braided ''malai'' are examples of ''malai chai diao''.
#''Malai song chai'' (, ) is usually draped around a person's neck to show importance. In the Thai wedding ceremony, both bride and groom often wear ''malai song chai''.
#''Malai chamruai'' or souvenir ''malai'' (, ), the smallest form of ''malai'', is usually given as a souvenir to a large group of people.มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฎสวนดุสิต. สถาบันภาษา.ดอกไม้กับวิถีชีวิตของคนไทย.มาลัย(2552) These ''malai'' are customarily given by a host, for instance, in wedding ceremonies, housewarming ceremonies, birthday parties, and baby showers. Creature ''malai'' is one form of ''malai chamruai''. The purpose of ''malai chamruai'' is similar to that of lei (garland) in Hawaiian culture.

In addition to the use of the ''malai'' as offerings, gifts, and souvenirs, ''malai'' have many more functions. They can be used to decorate throne halls and houses. ''Malai'' can also be hung on Thai musical instruments to pay respect to the masters of those instruments and for good luck and success in a performance.

Bamboo garlands

Thai bamboo garlands are decorative woven offerings sometimes used as a substitute for floral garlands and as a way to hang other offerings. Bamboo garlands are part of the tradition of Phu Thai people in the village of Kut Wa in Kuchinarai District, Kalasin Province, in the northeast of Thailand. Bamboo garlands are also used in the festival of Buddhist Lent during the Thai rainy season, called "Bun Khao Pradap Din" or "Bun Phuang Malai Ban Kut Wa".

Bamboo garland ceremony, Kut Wa, Thailand

To celebrate Phu Thai, the villagers of Kut Wa create ornate garlands and form a procession around Wat Kok to display their handiwork, with dancing, singing, and rhythmic drumming.

See also

* Buddhist prayer beads
* Hindu prayer beads
* Mala, used in India
* Lei (garland)
* Namaste
* Pranāma

References

{{reflist

External links

Phuang malai
at ThailandLife.com (archived 14 May 2008)

Culture of Thailand
Handicrafts