Flowers of Thailand
In former times, Thai ways of life were closely related to nature as evidenced by several Thai sayings that cited various kinds of animals and plants. Likewise, some flowers were designated as emblems of respectable national instituted because of their uniqueness which was ideal to symbolize such organizations or values. To acquaint you with these Thai flowers, we are giving you their underlying meanings as follows:
Ratchaphruek (Pudding Pipe tree or Golden Shower) has been chosen to be the national flower of Thailand because:
- This perennial deciduous tree grows well in all parts of the country and blooms about the same time from February to May, which symbolize the unity and harmony of the Thai people.
- The yellow colour of its flowers represents the Buddhist religion as well as the birthday of HM King Bhumibol which is Monday.
- The name has a noble meaning as ratchaphruek means a royal tree.
This tree contains medicinal properties. Its roots and core are effective in killing worms. Its leaves, flowers, and ods act as a laxative.
The wood of this tree is golden red and hard. That's why it is perfect for making pillars, cart wheel and plough handles.
Bua (lotus) This aquatic plant commonly found in shallow water in tropical and temperate Asian countries, is an emblem of Buddhism. Legend has it that the Lord Buddha was able to walk on his birth, and that when he took his first seven steps in his mortal world lotus blooms opened up from underneath to support the tender soles of his feet.
In the minds of Buddhists, the lotus stands for purity of spirit. Rooting in mud, the plant is able to rise up above the dirty water and yield a flower of such perfect beauty and purity.
The lotus produces different colour of blossoms such as pale pink, purple, yellow and white. But the most popular colour use to pay homage is white. Its rhizomes, young leaves and seeds are edible. Its matured leaves are used to wrap things and its pollen is used to enlarge the blood vessels of the heart.
Phuttharaksa (Canna) is the flower of Father's Day, which is the King's Birthday (5 December) too. Since HM King Bhumibol was born on Monday, the yellow phuttharaksa is used to represent this day.
Normally, this annual plant's flowers have several colours such as red, orange, yellow and pink. Some species have colour dots splashing over the flowers.
The rhizomes of this plant are used to treat hepatitis, dysentery and cough. Its flowers are medicinal against abscessed wounds and can staunch bleeding. Its crushed seeds are used as a compress to relieve headaches.
Mali (Jasmine), apart from being used for worshiping Buddha images in the form of a garland, this white flower of purity and sacredness has been designated to signify maternal love-hence the flower of Mother's Day which is HM Queen Sirikit's Birthday (12 August). People give artificial jasmine to their mothers on this day to show their love and respect.
Mali flowers vary in form. Some have one layer of petals while the others have multiple ones. Moreover, jasmine possesses a cooling scent which is medicinal. Its flowers act as a heart tonic and are extracted to make perfume.
Rak (Crown Flower or Giant Indian Milk weed) is popularly used to make a garland to pay respect to Buddha images or one's senior due to its white colour which stands for purity and sacredness.
This plant is a shrub with a maximum height of three metres. All parts yield milk-like resin which functions as a strong laxative but will cause skin irritation if you touch it.
Phut (Gardenia) is another kind of flowers, other than jasmine, that is often used to make a garland. This is because its young white buds, when put together, form a beautiful shape perfect for use in paying homage to Buddha images.
The Poppy is a reminiscence of war and is the flower for international war veterans including those of Thailand. Its blood-red flowers are the emblem of the Allied soldiers who fell in World War I at the battlefields of Flanders where the British forces confronted the German Army. The battle was very fierce and the number of dead bodies was enormous. Later, at the graveyard of all servicemen, Field Marshal Earl Haig of the British forces was astonished to witness a gorgeous carpet of wild red poppies in full bloom. Since then, the flower has become a token of war veterans.
Khem (Ixora) On "Paying Homage to Teachers Day", Thai students will take Khem flowers together with flowers of egg plants and Bermuda grass leaves to show respect to their teachers.
Khem is a shrub, some varieties of which can grow to a height of five metres. The colours of Khem are such as white, red, yellow and pink. Their roots are medicinal for boosting appetite. But the roots of wild ixora (l.cibdela Craib) are used to kill worms. Low species are boundaries of one's house.
By Miranti
http://www.kpsw.ac.th/