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"When the King journeys on water Amid His magnificent entourage
He graces the jewelled throne
of golden barges in proud procession"
The mighty Chao Phraya, River of Kings, is the majestic wonder that has been a silent witness to the cherished history of Thailand. Thais gather at the River of Kings on those rare, yet grand occasions that have come to symbolize the cultural heritage of the Thai Kingdom.
In times past, since the Period of Sukhothar, the barge flotilla was used to display the power of the King, particularly to the very early traders who came to Thailand for the exotic merchandise that so excited other lands. The Royal Barges have also been used to mark religious ceremonies and to make Royal merit such as offerings of robes to the monastic community in the Kathin Ceremony. Throughout the ages, poets wrote songs to be sung in rhythm with the rowing movements of the sturdily-built oarsmen. Generally these songs described the beauty of the boats in the processions and some verses from these ancient songs have been used to accompany the photographs in this calendar. Some of the magnificent boats in this procession date back almost 200 years to the reign of King Rama I.
Some were carved from a single giant tree and ornate carvings decorate each barge. All are lacquered and gilded with detailed patterns. They are highlighted with paint, mirrored glass, or pieces of coloured glass in a multitude of intricate designs.
In recent years, the Royal Hotilla has been marshalled to celebrate a number of events:
So...pageant follows pageant...and the legend continues... the pride passed on from generation to generation...
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