{"id":1131,"date":"2021-07-01T17:12:10","date_gmt":"2021-07-01T10:12:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/?post_type=culture_heritage&p=1131"},"modified":"2025-05-15T18:28:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T11:28:51","slug":"all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/","title":{"rendered":"All Wrapped Up: The Cultural Side of Flowers and Banana Leaves in Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anyone taking a close look at the Thai way of life cannot help but notice a preponderance of fresh flowers and banana leaves \u2013 many of them sitting inside the omnipresent spirit houses that stand outside homes, offices, and shopping complexes. These natural materials are not merely decorative though; they are often turned into something elaborate and spiritual.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

According to Brahmin (known today as Hinduism) beliefs, many of which have made their way into Thai culture and continue to play a major role, particularly in royal ceremonies, banana leaves are considered \u201cpure and untainted\u201d because banana-leaf containers are never reused. Reusable containers may look clean after being washed but, from a Brahmin point of view, invisible elements may still contaminate the seemingly spotless plates.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ready availability of banana leaves all over Thailand is very likely the main factor behind the Thai passion for using banana leaves for many things in everyday life. Thais, in the old days and in some remote areas today, usually place or wrap food and desserts in folded banana-leaf containers. But it is almost certainly the traditional Brahmin beliefs that inspire the use of the leaves for Bai Si<\/em> (\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e22\u0e28\u0e23\u0e35).<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bai Si: Offering for Luck<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Bai Si<\/em> is a decorative banana-leaf cone used as an offering to the deities as well as tokens in rituals and religious ceremonies. The name Bai Si<\/em> comes from the Khmer word \u201cBai<\/em>\u201d, meaning rice, and the Sanskrit word \u201cSri<\/em>\u201d, meaning good fortune.\u00a0 True to its meaning, Bai Si <\/em>often contains rice.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Millions of Thais have grown up with Bai Si.<\/em> The decorative banana-leaf cones are present in many important occasions throughout people\u2019s lives including births, Buddhist ordinations, weddings, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It is therefore not an overstatement to say that Bai Si<\/em> permeates all aspects of Thai life. For centuries, Thais \u2013 commoners and royals alike – have prepared Bai Si<\/em> as offerings to the spirits on special occasions in the hope of being rewarded with good fortune.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

However, the Bai Si<\/em> used by commoners and royals differ in terms of decorations.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For commoners, there are two types of Bai Si<\/em>. The first, Bai Si Pak Cham<\/em> (\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e22\u0e28\u0e23\u0e35\u0e1b\u0e32\u0e01\u0e0a\u0e32\u0e21), literally meaning a Bai Si<\/em> in a bowl, is small in size. To prepare a Bai Si Pak Cham<\/em>, a banana leaf is rolled into a cone and cooked rice is spooned into it. The cone sits in a bowl with its tip pointing upwards. The bowl used for Bai Si Pak Cham<\/em> should be round and not too large. This can range from simple paper bowls to elegant Benjarongs <\/em>(traditional ceramic bowls painted in five colors). A wooden stick is pushed down through the cone, and a hard-boiled egg, known as kai kwan<\/em> (\u0e44\u0e02\u0e48\u0e02\u0e27\u0e31\u0e0d), is speared on the tip and topped with flowers. Other popular materials used to decorate the Bai Si tip include lotus buds and marigolds. Overlapping folded banana-leaf decorations known as nom maew<\/em> surround the cone. Cucumber, sugarcane, desserts, and candles are often placed in the bowl, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Bai Si Pak Cham in a patterned papaer bowl [photo: \u0e1e\u0e0d\u0e32\u0e19\u0e32\u0e04.net]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second type, Bai Si Ton<\/em> (\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e22\u0e28\u0e23\u0e35\u0e15\u0e49\u0e19) or Bai Si Yai (<\/em>\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e22\u0e28\u0e23\u0e35\u0e43\u0e2b\u0e0d\u0e48<\/em>)<\/em>, is bigger and requires a wooden structure to form its exquisite shape. Its components, however, are very much like Bai Si Pak Cham<\/em> \u2013 with a banana-leaf cone, nom maew<\/em>, and flowers \u2013 but more extravagantly decorated. The fruit pieces put inside Bai Si Ton<\/em> are beautifully carved. Thais believe that Bai Si Ton<\/em> is a replica of Sumeru<\/em> \u2013 the sacred mount in Brahmanism and the residence of the god Shiva. When the Bai Si Ton<\/em> is presented, it is like an invitation for Shiva to attend the ritual.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Variations of Bai Si Ton [cr. Youtube: \u0e2d\u0e22\u0e48\u0e32\u0e2b\u0e22\u0e38\u0e14 \u0e2d\u0e22\u0e39\u0e48\u0e01\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the other hand, there are three variations of Bai Si<\/em> for royals, namely: an elaborate version of Bai Si Ton; Bai Si Kaeo, Thong<\/em>, and Ngoen <\/em>(\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e22\u0e28\u0e23\u0e35\u0e41\u0e01\u0e49\u0e27 \u0e17\u0e2d\u0e07 \u0e40\u0e07\u0e34\u0e19), for which gold, silver, and glass footed trays are used in place of banana-leaf cones; and Bai Si Tong Rong Thong Khao<\/em> (\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e22\u0e28\u0e23\u0e35\u0e15\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e23\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e17\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e02\u0e32\u0e27), which is similar to Bai Si Ton<\/em> but bigger, more exquisite, and placed atop a platinum footed tray.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Bai Si Keo, Thong,<\/em> and Ngern<\/em> [cr. FB: Royal Archives of OHM]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just like commoners, royals traditionally use Bai Si<\/em> for important occasions, such as a blessing ritual for newborn royals and ordinations of royal family members.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Culture of Floral Decorations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In Thai culture, flowers are not restricted to beautifying the bowls or trays of Bai Si<\/em>. They are part and parcel of the Thai way of life and are turned into various other forms such as garlands, hanging floral decorations and floral coverings.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fresh flowers always adorn the venues of important ceremonies like weddings and are also placed in front of the coffin at a funeral.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Floral decorations on a coffin [cr. FB: @nong4289]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Some floral decorations are very simple \u2013 with blooms arranged in vases or flower pots lined up in rows. Others are exquisite and a great deal of skill is needed to string thousands of flowers together for hanging floral decorations or floral nets. Popular flowers for such artistic creations are jasmine, Calotropis gigantea (popularly known as Dok Rak <\/em>in Thai or the crown flower), and pearly everlasting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ladies Famous for Their Flower Skills<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the old days, most \u2013 if not all \u2013 Thai women needed to learn how to string flowers together, and their quality was often judged based on their skills. Mothers, therefore, made sure their daughters could master the intricacies of floral creations. Some prodigies went on to become famous traditional florists.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It is not clear when the floral-decoration culture started in Thailand but Thao Si Chulalak (widely known as Nang Noppamas), a consort of a king in the Sukhothai Period (1249 \u2013 1463), is famous for creating a beautiful krathong<\/em> (\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e17\u0e07) decorative floats used as offerings to the Goddess of Water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ladies offering krathong<\/em> [cr. Hat Yai Municipality]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the Rattanakosin Period (1782-present), Chao Khun Tanee \u2013 a noble consort of King Rama I (1782 \u2013 1809) \u2013 also made her name as a master in stringing flowers and sewing banana leaves. In the reign of King Rama IV (1851 \u2013 1868), Princess Lamom skillfully created floral chandeliers, floral nets and hanging floral decorations. In the reign of King Rama V (1868 \u2013 1910), Queen Saovabha Phongsri (1864-1919) placed a creative and never before seen floral decoration in the shape of the naga, <\/em>the mythical and semi-divine serpent, on the dining table when entertaining foreign guests.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The years brought more innovative techniques in flower use. Chao Khun Phra Prayurawong (1854-1943), a noble consort of King Rama V, for example, invented a floral sash decorated with small hanging flowers. MR Pam Malakul (1874-1938), meanwhile, devised a floral garland to wear around the neck. Today, such elaborate garlands are often placed around the necks of a bride and her groom and sometimes hung over the bow of a boat.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chao Khun Phra Prayurawong in old age [cr. Silpa-Mag.com]<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fresh flowers, moreover, are often formed into a lotus shape and placed on top of a footed tray. These floral trays are presented to monks, sacred statues, and important persons.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Banana Leaves and Fresh Flowers in Modern Thailand<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Even though Thais\u2019 lifestyles have changed dramatically in recent decades, the flower and banana culture has remained intact. It has become well entrenched in all aspects of society, with folded banana leaves and Bai Si<\/em> as omnipresent as Thai-style floral decorations. In fact, even new-generation florists have embraced the ancient arts though some have breathed a modern touch into their creations. \u00a0So, when you come to Thailand, do not forget to take time out to admire Thailand\u2019s banana-leaf and floral creations. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

An elaborate array of Bai Si<\/em> crafted to resemble mythical serpents [photo: Bai Si Mae Mali]<\/p>\n

*************************<\/span><\/p>\n

Reference<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lisuwan, Wibun. Bai Sri Lae Krueng Dok Mai Sod [Bai Sri and Flower Offerings]. Watthanatham Journal: Department of Cultural Promotion, vol. 53, no. 4, October-December 2014, p.28-33. Available at http:\/\/magazine.culture.go.th\/2014\/4\/culturemag2014-4\/assets\/common\/downloads\/culturemag2014-4.pdf.<\/a><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Anyone taking a close look at the Thai way of life cannot help but notice a preponderance of fresh flowers and banana leaves \u2013 many of them sitting inside the omnipresent spirit houses that stand outside homes, offices, and shopping complexes. These natural materials are not merely decorative though; they are often turned into […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":2450,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[143,74],"tags":[278],"class_list":["post-1131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-traditions","tag-articles"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAll Wrapped Up: The Cultural Side of Flowers and Banana Leaves in Thailand - Thailand Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"th_TH\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"All Wrapped Up: The Cultural Side of Flowers and Banana Leaves in Thailand - Thailand Foundation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"  Anyone taking a close look at the Thai way of life cannot help but notice a preponderance of fresh flowers and banana leaves \u2013 many of them sitting inside the omnipresent spirit houses that stand outside homes, offices, and shopping complexes. These natural materials are not merely decorative though; they are often turned into […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Thailand Foundation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thailandfoundation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-07-01T10:12:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-15T11:28:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e07\u0e21\u0e25\u0e31\u0e22-\u0e41\u0e19\u0e27\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e19-\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e33-.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"576\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"administrator\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@foundationthai\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@foundationthai\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"administrator\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 \u0e19\u0e32\u0e17\u0e35\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"administrator\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ed1d43278f0e6246c5365e3ae2908eb0\"},\"headline\":\"All Wrapped Up: The Cultural Side of Flowers and Banana Leaves in Thailand\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-07-01T10:12:10+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-15T11:28:51+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1352,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/07\\\/\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e07\u0e21\u0e25\u0e31\u0e22-\u0e41\u0e19\u0e27\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e19-\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e33-.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Articles\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Articles\",\"Traditions\"],\"inLanguage\":\"th\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\\\/\",\"name\":\"All Wrapped Up: The Cultural Side of Flowers and Banana Leaves in Thailand - Thailand Foundation\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/07\\\/\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e07\u0e21\u0e25\u0e31\u0e22-\u0e41\u0e19\u0e27\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e19-\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e33-.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-07-01T10:12:10+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-15T11:28:51+00:00\",\"inLanguage\":\"th\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"th\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/07\\\/\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e07\u0e21\u0e25\u0e31\u0e22-\u0e41\u0e19\u0e27\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e19-\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e33-.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/07\\\/\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e07\u0e21\u0e25\u0e31\u0e22-\u0e41\u0e19\u0e27\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e19-\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e33-.jpg\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":576},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/\",\"name\":\"Thailand Foundation\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"th\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Thailand Foundation\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"th\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/03\\\/Logo_EN_NonBg_01.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/03\\\/Logo_EN_NonBg_01.png\",\"width\":680,\"height\":530,\"caption\":\"Thailand Foundation\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/thailandfoundation\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/foundationthai\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/thailandfoundation\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tiktok.com\\\/@thailandfoundation\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UC68jcl0AYVQ1SF19fF9iMkg\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ed1d43278f0e6246c5365e3ae2908eb0\",\"name\":\"administrator\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"th\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f52c2aada3568aeb472f4e60019576fd9d8520f06336524d2ef018e25124f737?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f52c2aada3568aeb472f4e60019576fd9d8520f06336524d2ef018e25124f737?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f52c2aada3568aeb472f4e60019576fd9d8520f06336524d2ef018e25124f737?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"administrator\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thailandfoundation.or.th\\\/th\\\/author\\\/administrator\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"All Wrapped Up: The Cultural Side of Flowers and Banana Leaves in Thailand - Thailand Foundation","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/","og_locale":"th_TH","og_type":"article","og_title":"All Wrapped Up: The Cultural Side of Flowers and Banana Leaves in Thailand - Thailand Foundation","og_description":"  Anyone taking a close look at the Thai way of life cannot help but notice a preponderance of fresh flowers and banana leaves \u2013 many of them sitting inside the omnipresent spirit houses that stand outside homes, offices, and shopping complexes. These natural materials are not merely decorative though; they are often turned into […]","og_url":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/","og_site_name":"Thailand Foundation","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thailandfoundation","article_published_time":"2021-07-01T10:12:10+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-05-15T11:28:51+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":576,"url":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e07\u0e21\u0e25\u0e31\u0e22-\u0e41\u0e19\u0e27\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e19-\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e33-.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"administrator","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@foundationthai","twitter_site":"@foundationthai","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"administrator","Est. reading time":"8 \u0e19\u0e32\u0e17\u0e35"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/"},"author":{"name":"administrator","@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/#\/schema\/person\/ed1d43278f0e6246c5365e3ae2908eb0"},"headline":"All Wrapped Up: The Cultural Side of Flowers and Banana Leaves in Thailand","datePublished":"2021-07-01T10:12:10+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-15T11:28:51+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/"},"wordCount":1352,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e07\u0e21\u0e25\u0e31\u0e22-\u0e41\u0e19\u0e27\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e19-\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e33-.jpg","keywords":["Articles"],"articleSection":["Articles","Traditions"],"inLanguage":"th"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/","url":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/","name":"All Wrapped Up: The Cultural Side of Flowers and Banana Leaves in Thailand - Thailand Foundation","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e07\u0e21\u0e25\u0e31\u0e22-\u0e41\u0e19\u0e27\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e19-\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e33-.jpg","datePublished":"2021-07-01T10:12:10+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-15T11:28:51+00:00","inLanguage":"th","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"th","@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/all-wrapped-up-the-cultural-side-of-flowers-and-banana-leaves-in-thailand\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e07\u0e21\u0e25\u0e31\u0e22-\u0e41\u0e19\u0e27\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e19-\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e33-.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e07\u0e21\u0e25\u0e31\u0e22-\u0e41\u0e19\u0e27\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e19-\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e33-.jpg","width":1024,"height":576},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/#website","url":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/","name":"\u0e21\u0e39\u0e25\u0e19\u0e34\u0e18\u0e34\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"th"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/#organization","name":"\u0e21\u0e39\u0e25\u0e19\u0e34\u0e18\u0e34\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22","url":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"th","@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Logo_EN_NonBg_01.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Logo_EN_NonBg_01.png","width":680,"height":530,"caption":"Thailand Foundation"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thailandfoundation","https:\/\/x.com\/foundationthai","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thailandfoundation","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@thailandfoundation","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC68jcl0AYVQ1SF19fF9iMkg"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/#\/schema\/person\/ed1d43278f0e6246c5365e3ae2908eb0","name":"administrator","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"th","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f52c2aada3568aeb472f4e60019576fd9d8520f06336524d2ef018e25124f737?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f52c2aada3568aeb472f4e60019576fd9d8520f06336524d2ef018e25124f737?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f52c2aada3568aeb472f4e60019576fd9d8520f06336524d2ef018e25124f737?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"administrator"},"url":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/author\/administrator\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1131"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1131\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2450"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1131"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1131"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}