Phuang Malai: Thai Floral Garland

Description

Thailand is one of the countries in Asia where most foreigners visit and work with. This is certainly discernible since the country is equipped with rich potential destinations and cultural adherence that most foreigners come to visit time to time. One of the distinct folkloric symbols of Thailand is the Phuang Malai, its a kind of a Thai Floral Garland usually used as offerings on shrines, or even temples, or given to special guest as a token of appreciation and expression of high respect.

Phuang Malai (Thai Floral Garland) is an ornament used especially as an offering to shrines and temples and is also considered as a symbolic gift often given to a special guest as a sign of respect and distinction. This practice of giving to special visitors in auspicious occasions dates back during the monarchical administration to King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) until contemplated in royal ceremonial occasions.

There are three kinds of Malai is Thailand, but the workshop shall consider the fundamental "Chained Malai" maid from rounded Malais (material may be made from dried jasmine flowers and corn leaves cut in uniform shapes) and are connected using strings/ribbons needled to form a chain. Polystyrene balls is inserted in a large needed followed by stitching the garland flowers and tied with another polystyrene balls at the end. Create three to four chains and combine them together. The idea is to carefully push the thread through the flowers – the exact way you do this will depend on your design. The ribbon is used to connect different chains of flowers.

Dating back Thailand's centenarian heritage, Phuang Malais was used on special occasions only. Because Buddhism is enriched as large part of daily life and events for Thai people, this ornamental offering is not only offered in shrines and temples, it is also used by motor and vehicle drivers by hanging inside believing that such ritual practice will guide them by spirits free from accidents. This is also used by bride and groom on wedding occasion for a brighter future. This is also offered as a welcoming souvenir for dignitaries and visitors in auspicious occasions.

As I am inclined in arts and teaching in middle schools, I took the chance to participate in artwork activities in school where each student brings forth in the class materials and is given instructions to make it. Patience entails because threading the flower materials is stern and requires personal style.

I also noticed that this craft this is used in business to attract blessings, offered in spirit houses to keep dead relatives to protect them safely and guide them in the right side. For monks and male members of the family entering the temple service, Thai garland flower is offered to them as as well wish for a meaningful journey in temple servitude.