Aside from jasmine, other petals and flowers are used to create a colorful garland. Here, the purple globe amaranth, mini dark pink roses and marigolds were used. Banana leaves, cut in small pieces are inserted to break up the colours.

Aside from jasmine, other petals and flowers are used to create a colorful garland. Here, the purple globe amaranth, mini dark pink roses and marigolds were used. Banana leaves, cut in small pieces are inserted to break up the colours.

One of the things I look forward to when arrive in Bangkok is the garland bracelet of jasmine  that is always given to me by my Thai friend.  This garland  called “phuang malai” is a welcome gesture that I appreciate very much  and puts my visit in the right mood.

"Phuang malai" bracelet of jasmine with marigold and pink roses as accents.

Bracelet of jasmine with marigold and pink roses as accents.

“Phuang malai” became popular during the reign of King Rama V (1853-1910).  It was then that ladies of the court practiced their design skills in creating a feast of garlands; skills which were passed on to other ladies in-waiting, or to students completing their education within the palace walls.

The common garland called uba is sold by itenerant vendors.

The common garland called uba is sold by ambulant vendors.

A garland can take on different shapes. It can either be circular to resemble a necklace or bracelet ending with two or more ‘tails’ of flower ribbons, or long with two strands of flowers separated by a ribbon called “uba.”  The most common type of “phuang malai”  is held together by a string of tiny white malik (Arabic jasmine) blossoms. Yet another type of jasmine, this one without smell, is strung onto the garland. This particular flower called dok ruk or the flower of love neither looks nor feels like a flower. 

The dok ruk resembles the top stone of an ancient Greek corinthian pillar. The resilient dok ruk is what keeps the garland from withering away all too soon, helping it last for a maximum of five days. Inset: Each bloom is threaded through the centre with a long needle, stacking the blossoms on top of each other so the points rotate around the string. They make a thick, densely packed rope, which is tied into a loop and embellished with several more strings of other flowers.

The dok ruk resembles the top stone of an ancient Greek corinthian pillar. The resilient dok ruk is what keeps the garland from withering away all too soon, helping it last for a maximum of five days. Inset: Each bloom is threaded through the centre with a long needle, stacking the blossoms on top of each other so the points rotate around the string. They make a thick, densely packed rope, which is tied into a loop and embellished with several more strings of other flowers.

Flower garlands were traditionally hung in front of windows, thus allowing the aromatic jasmine to waft into the house. Hung in front of Buddha statues, or pictures of monks, they act as offerings to celestial beings. Placed in front of photographs of relatives, they are offerings to the dearly departed. On spirit houses, “phuang malai”  are used to please the spirits with their smell. In the car, they are believed to have the power to prevent accidents and if offered to guests, they substitute for words like  ‘welcome’.

The designs of the "phuang malai" can be intricate depending on the occassion and the person it is being given to. Odd numbers are used when one does anything related to monks. One should not sniff at the flowers before you offer them to a monk or a special person.

The designs of the phuang malai can be intricate depending on the occassion and the person it is being given to. Odd numbers are used when one does anything related to monks. One should not sniff at the flowers before you offer them to a monk or a special person.

The higher the status of the person, the more elaborate the garland. A garland offered to the King, for example, is as intricate as any floor mosaic. Orchids, a reddish-purple flower called ban mai roo roi, roses or any other flower may be used to weave an elaborate pattern combined with the fragrant malik. Patterns of flowers are made out of a combination of smaller blossoms. An elaborate garland such as this may resemble knots on a rope with little rings of white blossoms, thus creating a stunning effect of thickness and weight.

"Phuang malai" is used in Thai weddings in lieu of the western style corsage and wedding bouquet. The chain design represents the union of man and woman.

Phuang malai is used in Thai weddings in lieu of the western style corsage and wedding bouquet. The chain design represents the union of man and woman.

Although different flowers may be used to make a garland, the malik seems to be the most commonly used. The fact that it symbolizes purity explains it all. Of equal importance is the fragrance it emanates, which is sure to reach even the dullest of noses. Other flowers are associated with certain qualities and are used to accomplish different means. The orchid, for example, stands for endurance, after all it keeps very well for a long time, the yellow marigold has increasing qualities, while the ban mai roo roi represents a stable mood.

Garland makers and vendors can be found usually near a shrine or a temple, in the market, at flower stalls or in the streets.

Garland makers and vendors can be found usually near a shrine or a temple, in the market, at flower stalls or in the streets.

The materials for making “phuang malai”  have changed over the years. Cotton thread may be used in place of the traditional banana leaf thread used in the past. Fluorescent plastic bows may be tied at the ends of tails, replacing those traditionally made by banana leaves. “Phuang malai”  however, retains its place in Thai culture as strongly as ever, for their sacred mission of honouring seen and unseen beings alike is as relevant today as it was centuries ago.