Thai Burmese Craft

Lanna Crafts XXI

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

The next significant tradition of Lanna is the New Year festival, or Songkran festival in Thai word, or Pee Mai Muang festival in Lanna word. The New Year Festival of Lanna People is set in April (as same as other Thai regions) or the seventh month of Lanna calendar.

Picture of Pee Mai Muang festival

Pee Mai Muang is a movement or change to a new era which is the first moving of the sun into Aries. So they set April to be the first month of the year. The theme of Pee Mai Muang is based on the belief of the new era which is an opportunity for family members to gather to make a merit, and/or sprinkle water onto a Buddha image, and/or pour water on the hands of revered elders and ask for blessing, and/or splash water to each other (children and young peoples). These activities are to express goodwill on peace and happiness.

Pee Mai Muang festival of Lanna is different from Songkran festival in other regions of Thailand on the duration of the festival (more days than other regions), the activities, the beliefs and the purpose.

According to typical Songkran festival, there will be 3 days of activities as follows:

April 13 will be ‘Sangkharn-Long day’: After midnight of April 12, it will be sounds of wood knockings, firecrackers, gun shootings for sending or expelling the Sangkharn (there are so many meanings of this word for this festival, but the one is the sun or age, to cross over to the new age). Today members of family will clean all areas their home.

April 14 will be ‘Naw day’: Today the sun will move to the point between the end of Pisces and the start of Aries. Everyone will prepare supplies and foods to make a merit on tomorrow, they will speak good words to each other, no damning or scolding.

April 15 will be ‘Phayawan day’: Today the sun will cross into Aries which the Lanna year number will be changed. Lanna people will wake up early in the morning to go to the temple to make the merit. Today they will have an opportunity to sprinkle water onto a Buddha image which every temple will prepare by setting the Buddha image for easy access at the middle of temple. And they might pour water on the hands of revered elders and ask for blessing today.

Note:

Nowadays Thai people favor to splash water to each other (children and young peoples) in these three days.
Pee Mai Muang festival especially adds more 4 days than Songkran festival, there are ‘Pak-pee’, ‘Pak-duan’, ‘Pak-wan’, ‘Pak-yarm’ days. The main purpose of these days is for Lanna people to travel to worship Buddha images at long distance temple, or go to meet the elder cousins who live far away to pour water on their hands and ask for blessing then.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

- ‘Hair Tie Hair Accessories Made From Fabric’ From Lannathaiexport:

Hair Tie Hair Accessories Made from Fabric

This handmade item is from fabric / pompom
Model: HA011
Dimensions: .44 pounds

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts XX

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

Picture of Yee Peng festival

This month, November, there will be a significant tradition in Thailand called ‘Loy Krathong’ festival which is annually celebrated on the full-moon day of the twelfth lunar month of Buddhist calendar. Loy Krathong is the floating of an illuminated leaf vessel to make an apology and thank to water, canal, river, ocean (actually to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha), because we need to use water in daily life and might make dirt or impurity to water. The word “Loy” means “float”, and “Krathong” means lotus-shaped vessel which is made of any available things, such as banana leaves, light synthetic foam with colored paper, bread, etc. A krathong usually contains a candle, three joss sticks, some flowers and coins. Lanna people call this festival as ‘Yee Peng’ festival.

- Tradition about Yee Peng festival, this festival has been hold and practiced for long time since the 14^th century B.E. Yee Peng festival was a very significant festival to the Lanna King and Lanna people as they would go to a temple to make a merit, listen to the monk’s sermon on story of the last great incarnation of the Buddha, and float the sacrificial offerings along the river to worship the Goddess of Water, or their ancients, or Buddha’s footprint. Moreover there would be Sky Lantern or Floating Lantern called Khom Loy (Thai word) for offerings to Buddha. Nowadays Lanna people still follow the ancient on celebrating this festival, and including more entertainments or shows or beauty contests in this festival.

The highlight of Yee Peng festival focuses on the launching of the Khom Loy or Floating Lanterns into the night sky with the belief that misfortune will fly away with them. Lanna people believe that, if the lanterns are made and offered to Buddha or monks, they will receive wisdom in return as the flame in the lantern stands for knowledge and the light it gives will guide them to the right path of their lives.

The activities of Lanna people in this festival will be as follows:

- In the morning, they will prepare foods very early in the morning to make a merit with monks at a temple and listen to the monk’s sermon on story of the last great incarnation of the Buddha.

- In the evening, Lanna people will prepare lit candle cups called Pang Pa Tib at their homes and at temples for worship the Buddha and pray for themselves and their families to get prosperity and happiness. The number of the cups usually will be equal to the age of the lit one or number of people in his family. Later, they will light Sky Lanterns or Khom Loy, and for the water ceremony they will use the Krathong with sacrificial offerings as above mentioned.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

Grehom Scented Candles (Set of 4) -
Thai Spa; Beautiful Gift; Frangipani in
Bamboo Casing; Handmade Votive Candles;
Exclusive Wedding Gift; Each candle
is delivered in an elegant Gift Box

1) ‘Grehom Scented Candles (Set of 4) - Thai Spa; Beautiful Gift; Frangipani in Bamboo Casing; Handmade Votive Candles; Exclusive Wedding Gift; Each candle is delivered in an elegant Gift Box’ by Grehom:

Set of 4 Candles; Red, Green, Blue & Yellow colour Frangipani candles
Special candle, in a bamboo casing
1.8" tall and 2.8" wide
Re-useable as a candle holder
Ideal romantic gift for her

2) ‘Ceramic lacquer Buddhist monk coin bank from Thailand’ From Thai handmade product:

Ceramic lacquer Buddhist
monk coin bank from Thailand

A cute crafted coin bank from Thailand made from Ceramic, Buddhist monk alike.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts XIX

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

Buddhism has influence on the lives of Lanna people for long time. Whenever there is any Buddhist religious ceremony, everyone is willing to help with his/her belief on the religion to get good deeds. As mentioned in the latest article – Lanna Crafts XVIII that there is an important Buddhist ceremony as a big public festival of Lanna called Poy Luang which is concerning to the religious celebrations on Buddhist building. Today we will see in details what significant it is and how it is performed.

Picture of Poy Luang ceremony

- Tradition about Poy Luang, actually Poy Luang in Lanna language means the religious building celebrations from the faith of the people, such as temples, chapels or monk habitats, etc., which needs many helps from many people to set all activities. In the past, Lanna people were very proud to participate in Poy Luang (even now, they are also still proud to this ceremony), because this ceremony was rarely established on one human generation. This is due to it will be held up only when there is a new construction of religious buildings. However in the present day, they will choose 3-7 days in February-May of every year to set this ceremony.

The purposes of Poy Luang ceremony are to make a merit to ancestors or passed away relatives, and to gather local people to have an activity together with amusement on all entertainments as a festival.

Toong (Lanna Flag)

Two to three days before the ceremony date, Lanna people will prepare the Lanna flags (called Toong) around 2 meters long which are beautifully cotton weaving with silver or gold lining, or weaving as the Thai flags, or Zodiac sign flags. The flags will be attached to the edges of bamboo sticks which are pitched on the streets around the village. Along both sides of village’s streets will be colorful, and it will be a sign to show that there will be a Poy Luang ceremony here.

There will be three ceremony days for the Poy Luang:

First day called ‘Wan Da’ or ‘Wan Tang Da’, Lanna people will prepare foods, fruits, utensils for monks to take to the temple. These utensils for monks will be decorated neatly and might have a bamboo stick with bank notes for each set of them.

Second day called ‘Wan Kin’, is a happy day for a party with all foods, alcohols, etc.

Third day called ‘Wan Tan’, everyone from every house will prepare to move to the temple with all entertainments, such as musical bands, dancing of all relatives, etc. At the same time, there will be amusements in the temple area, some local performances, and a lot of merchants as a temple festival. The monks will bless everyone with melodic and stylistic tone to please the people who bring all foods and utensils to the temple.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

1) ‘SKY LANTERNS 14 Pack - Assorted Colors’ From Sky Lanterns / Khoom Fay:

SKY LANTERNS 14 Pack
- Assorted Colors

This is the original handmade Sky Lantern. Not a cheap copy, this is the original.

The only lantern which the fuel source is already attached. No assembly required, no plastic.
Flame Retardant - 100% Biodegradable - Fully Assembled!
2 Pieces Of Each Color ~ Purple, Pink, Red, Orange, Green, Yellow And White
Great For Every Party And Get-Together!
Safe And Fun For Everybody!
Measures 16" W x 16" L x 40" H

2) ‘Large 8 inches Thai Granite Mortar and Pestle’ From TastePadThai:

Large 8" Thai Granite
Mortar and Pestle

A nice souvenir from Thailand for Thai daily cooking style

Crushing with a granite mortar and pestle releases the flavor of fresh spices better than chopping with the blade of a food processor

Made of the highest quality 100% hand-carved solid granite (stone), natural grey-green color
3+ cup capacity, 15-17 lbs. 5.5"inner bowl, 5" height. 8" pestle
The pestle and inside surface of the mortar are finely polished, so it will not absorb odors from food!
Beautiful appearance that will last a lifetime!

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts XVIII

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

One significant tradition of Lanna people which is related to their Buddhism religion is about the ordination to be a novice or a monk, called ‘Poy Noi’.

Picture of Lanna Buddhist Ordination

- Tradition about Lanna Ordination (Poy Noi), the Lanna Buddhist ordinations could be classified for kids and adults as novices and monks. Typically, a novice’s age is around 7-20 years old.

- Poy Buach is an ordination ceremony for kids (or a kid) to be novices (or a novice).
- Poy Pek is an ordination ceremony for adults (or an adult) to be monks (or a monk).
- Poy Look Kaew is an ordination ceremony which is included a pre-ordination ceremony called Nak (from Naga) Parade.

- Poy Sang Long is a Tai people ordination ceremony as described in Hill Tribal Crafts IX.
- Poy Noi is an ordination ceremony which is established internally among relatives, not a public ceremony.
- Poy Luang is a big public festival of Lanna concerning to the religious celebrations on temples, monk habitats, etc.

The main purpose (from the past) of Lanna Buddhist Ordination or Poy Noi was about kids’ educations. The kids would have opportunities to study and learn on how to read and write from monks. Also they would learn on moral and ethics and vocational practices. One important aim was to be Buddhist heirs. More purposes were the parents would also obtain the merit from the virtue of ordination of their sons. Believe that the ordination would be able to lead to Nirvana. After a period of ordination and leaving the monkhood, believe that he would be a good knowledgeable man who would be a good husband because of full of benevolence in mind. Then everyone would like to accept him as a son-in-law.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

- ‘EXP Decorative Handmade Lavender and Gold Floral Thai Silk Cushion Cover/Pillow Sham’ from EXP:

EXP Decorative Handmade Lavender
and Gold Floral Thai Silk
Cushion Cover/Pillow Sham

Add a sultry accent to your living room or bedroom decor with this sensuous Thai silk cushion cover
Luxurious lavender floral and gold silk cushion cover handmade from genuine Thai silk
Features an intricate floral array in autumnal hues of gold and black
Full-length hidden zipper allows for easy insertion or removal of a cushion
Vivid decorative accessory will add a floral flirtatiousness to any room
16 in. l x 16 in. w

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts XVII

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

After the end of the human life, there might be someone to prepare a ceremony for him/her. One significant tradition of Lanna is Tradition about Death and Corpse.

Picture of Lanna Temples

- Tradition about Death and Corpse, when there is death in a Lanna house, there will be sounds of cry and lamentation from his/her relatives. This culture is same as traditional Chinese people’s culture. These sounds of sadness are called ‘Hui’ which will be as announcement to neighbors to know that there is death occurred in the house. They will come to assist on the death ceremony.

The relatives will usually set the death ceremony at home by inviting monks to pray there every night. When the scheduled date comes, they will decorate the corpse with flowers and move by carry (bear) to graveyard. For the rich or royalties or high-level monks, their corpse will be move to the graveyard by wheel-vehicle.

In the previous days, the corpse would be buried, no cremation. The cremation should be performed only for monks, kings or the royalties. They believed that they had to bury the corpse to preserve the perfect body for the next life. If the dead body lost eye or hand, then in the next life, he/she would be blind or crippled. For the one who died while pregnant, the dead baby must be taken out before bury, if not, in the next life the woman would be self-pregnant without a husband.

Believe that the dead people would come back in 3 or 7 days due to their worries. So the relatives would wear black dresses or suits to make merit to the dead one. After 7 days past, there would be a spiritual invitation rite by a medium (invoker). The relatives would ask through the medium to the dead one what he/she preferred to have or eat. They would believe if the medium chose the right ones.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

- ‘Thai Style Original Barbie Size Thai Outfit - Modern, Lanna or Chakri’, from Thai:

Thai Style Original Barbie Size
Thai Outfit -
Modern, Lanna or Chakri

Made and purchased in Thailand these outfits for Barbie are made of Thai silk and include a brochure explaining the nature of the costume.
This modern style outfit has a solid sleeveless grayish-brown top with tiny bright green embroidery around the neck.
At the top of the bodice is a gold design imprinted on the material.
The skirt is full length and straight, of a navy and deep gold geometric print with horizontal stripes.
There is a gold belt with a silver and gold with crystal center floral-like ornament at the center and a lace decoration around the hip area.
From the waist to the floor is a broad gold trim interwoven with bright blue, green and fuchsia thread.
Around the shoulders, the outfit includes a very wide gold shawl also interwoven with glittering blue, green and fuchsia threads.
The outfit comes with two gold arm bracelets.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts XVI

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:16:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

After wedding ceremony, Lanna son-in-law has a duty to build houses for his family. Today we will present a Tradition about Lanna Home Reconstruction.

Picture of Lanna Houses

- Tradition about Lanna Home Reconstruction, when the groom comes to live at the bride’s house, he needs to stay there at least three years to help her parents’ jobs; farming, gardening, etc. before enable to build a new separated own house. There are in-depth concepts on this as the wife will have opportunity to practice to be a good housewife, while the husband will be trained by the father-in-law to be a nice leader of the family, and the couple will be able to save money for building their own house.

It’s prohibited for the couple to build a very neat house on the first one when they need a separated house from parents, Lanna people believe that it’s inauspicious and will bring unfortunate events to the family. So their first house will be constructed to be able to stand only for 1-3 years before build a new one. The second constructed house will consist of tied beams, and the third constructed house will be the neatest one with the inserted beams and tied beams for long residence.

The head of the family needs to find auspicious time and date to start building the house. He will discuss with the old ones who know Lanna cultures and traditions, or might discuss with a fortune-teller who will give suggestion on the best date and time from his book. The suggested months from the book usually are in even number of Lanna months, sixth and eighth, but the tenth month will be prohibited for any auspicious ceremony.

The host of the new house will inform his neighbors to come for helps on house construction. The wife will prepare foods for all neighbors who will come, and the husband will contact to all engineers or the working team. He needs to prepare some rituals before building a house: Asking for the land from King of Nagas before digging the main-pole hole, Notification to the Four Celestial Guardians (see Lanna Crafts XI).

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

1) ‘Thai Fashion Purse- Handmade in Chiang Mai’, from Thai Fashion Handbag-Thailand:

Thai Fashion Purse-
Handmade in
Chiang Mai

This beautiful and unique handbag is handmade at the Bann Talae handicraft center near Chiang Mai Thailand.
Strong, durable craftsmanship.
All hand stitching and native materials, from the wooden beads on the strap, to the gold silk string, to the wooden button that closes the top, to the mosaic artwork material that is used in the design.
Single strap design is the perfect length for carrying as a shoulder strap or clutch.
Ornate mosaic material is native Thai and only available to tourists who go to this area of Northern Thailand.
Dimensions: 28.00" h x 8.00" w x 15.00" l, 1.21 pounds

2) ‘Thai Puggi Oriental Lamp’, from Oriental Furniture:

Thai Puggi Oriental Lamp

Measures 18" H x 10" D x 10" W - Attractive Table Lamp or Night Light
Hand Crafted Wood Lantern in Unique Thai Spirit House Design
Fiber Reinforced Pressed Pulp Rice Paper Shade - Cast a Soft Glow in Any Room
UL Approved Wiring, Socket & Switch for 60 Watt Bulb - Up to 150W Compact Flourescent

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts XV

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:51:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

Lanna Costume was presented in previous article. Today we will go to see Lanna Wedding Tradition and Ceremony.

Picture of Lanna Wedding Ceremony

- Lanna Wedding Tradition and Ceremony, before a decision to get married or to have a new family, besides of the Lanna couple’s considerations on their appearances, characteristics, wealthy, relations to the social, etc., they need to care with the traditional beliefs on marriage life, such as birth dates of the couple must not be opponent together. They believe that the friendly birth dates will lead the couple to be prosperous, but the marriage life will be failed on their opponent birth dates.

The traditional marriage life (or living together as a family) of Lanna people was simplified in the past. When the woman’s parents were aware of the couple’s love or there was ‘Pid-pee (see Lanna Craft VII)’ occurred, they would contact to the man for his responsibility by performing a process called ‘Sai-pee’ or ‘Sier-pee’ which allowed the man side to ask for forgiveness by giving candles, flowers, money and other offerings to the woman’s household spirits. After that there would be an appointment of the woman’s parents to let the man come to living at their home. The man would pick only a sword or some of his clothes to his new family, because the woman side will prepare all things for living at their home to welcome the new member. There would not be anything much came with him, except money for starting a new life with his new family. The man would proudly show how much of money he carried with to the woman and her parents.

Later, there would be wedding ceremony called ‘Kin-cak-tang-ngan’, which was classified in two sorts:

First, ‘Pid-pee’ wedding as mentioned before at Lanna Craft VII,

Second, ‘A marriage proposal’, when the couple love and decide to get married and live together, the man’s senior relatives will come to make the proposal and appointment on engagement date.

After engagement, there would be an appointment for wedding and celebration date which would invite guests as both sides’ considerations.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

1) ‘925 Thai Silver Handmade Jewelry Findings Wedding Rings Designs for Girls 8.9g (Wzl0014-tyjz)’, from Wenzhilian Jewelry Co., Ltd:

925 Thai Silver Handmade
Jewelry Findings Wedding Rings
Designs for Girls 8.9g
(Wzl0014-tyjz)

Agate is one of the seven gems in Buddhism; it has an effect to ward off evil spirits. People started to use it as their talisman long years ago. Since the ancient times the scholars treated agate as "the third eye" of jade and the symbol of friendliness, love and hope. Handmade, fashion & romantic clear 925 sterling silver and natural agate, color: black & red & green/Weight:8.9g/size:18#dia. : 18.5MM perimeter: 58MM; 19#dia. : 18.8 MM perimeter: 59MM; 20#dia. : 19.4 MM perimeter: 61MM.

2) ‘Sterling Silver Thai Style Filigree Diamond-Shaped Dangle Earrings’, from Avend Concepts:

Sterling Silver Thai Style
Filigree Diamond-Shaped
Dangle Earrings

These charming earrings feature a filigree Thai-style pattern in a diamond-shaped design. Sterling silver dangle earrings add a soft grace to anyone as their sparkling accentuates your every movement with that extra class. They are beautifully made in 925 sterling silver and finished with 925 sterling silver fishhook backs with spiral wire accents. They measure 1 and 1/2 inches (38 millimeters) in length and 3/4 inches (19 millimeters) in width. The high polish finish gives these earrings an exquisite shine that is sure to catch every eye.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts XIV

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:41:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

In latest article we presented many ‘Lanna Rituals Related to The Patient’ which quite related to their daily life. Today the article is closer to their daily life than ever. If someone who have traveled to the northern of Thailand or seen some Lanna cultural performances, they may like and be interested in the Lanna original costume both for ladies and gentlemen. So today Thai Burmese Crafts will present a Lanna Culture: Lanna Costume.

Picture of Lanna Costume of Ladies and Gentlemen

- Lanna Costume, from the past since reign of King Mengrai (see Lanna Craft I: Lanna History), Lanna people wear the similar clothing which presented out their unique culture as follows:

Lanna Ladies Costume: The bare breast of a suburb woman was common in the past. She might have only light color cloth to use with, such as wrapping the breast, or hanging with her neck, wearing as Sabai (a cloth wearing type of Siam), etc. The blouse wearing came popular in very late period of Lanna. The blouse would be handcrafted sewing cotton cloth, typically white color from cotton. For an adult, she would wear a round-necked blouse, curved sleeves, five seam stitching, fit to body. Moreover she would wear the under-blouse as a sleeveless t-shirt with the same sewing method as the blouse.

A woman would wear a long striped skirt-like dress called ‘Sinn’. The fabric of Sinn would be striped single seam, and the color was dyed with vegetable colors in red, purple, etc. There would be a connected bottom-end cloth to connect with the main Sinn, the color might be black. The other end of main Sinn, which would be worn at the woman’s waist, usually was sewed with white color cloth. Later, when there was loom development which enabled whole Sinn cloth production without connected sewing, Lanna ladies favored this kind of Sinn and change to another alternative colors mixing with many patterns which were popular till present day.

Lanna Gentlemen Costume: In the past, Lanna men admired tattoo designs from waist to knee. The girls would ignore any bare hip men, since they believe that those were cowards. A Lanna man would wear cotton cloth which color was alternated black and white. There were three wearing methods; first, normal wear by tuck at center of waist and the remainder was hanged from the waist, second, catch and tuck at the waist as the first method, but the remainder was passed under the body (between two legs) to tuck at the back (of waist), third, for fit tight purposes, such as fighting or hard working or riding a buffalo, he would wear very tight with both sides of the hips showing the tattoo. For these three wearing methods, the man would bare the chest. Some Lanna men wear pants which were similar pattern to Chinese one. There were short and long pants which sewed with handmade cotton.

Lanna men in the past did not like to wear shirts. In the cold weather, they will use some long cloth to cover the body. The color of this cloth was dyed with vegetable dyes, i.e. indigo, ebony, jackfruit, etc. Later they wore round-necked shirts which short or long sleeves with throughout buttons in front called ‘Moh-Hom (in Thai)’ or Indigo-shirt.

In addition, there might be some apparel for some jobs or some occasions, such as hat, belt, shoes, and other accessories of rich people.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

100% Cotton Traditional Thai Daishiki
- Royal Purple and African Gold
Design (size LARGE 44-46)

- ‘100% Cotton Traditional Thai Daishiki- Royal Purple and African Gold Design (size LARGE 44-46)’, from MR. Thai- Bangkok: Handmade, highest quality, 100% cotton Daishikis will surpass your greatest expectations, no blends or synthetic fibers, completely machine safe and easy to care for, exquisite and vibrant patterns and colors, durable, strong and long-lasting, designed and handcrafted to last. Possibly the most unique and beautiful gift you could ever give or receive.

Thai Foot Massage Stick

- ‘Thai Foot Massage Stick’: This Traditional Thai Foot Massage stick is about 13cm long, made of teak, and has ridges along the sides, to allow a variety of techniques to be performed and the thin and thick end offer more, or less focused pressure for the reflex points, smooth and ridged sides for different sensations.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts XIII

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 13:17:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

After the Lanna Cultures & Traditions about Respectful Ceremony to the Master or Teacher, today Thai Burmese Crafts will present some rituals related to the patient from bad luck, spiritual/psychological illness and/or malfunctioning sickness.

Picture of Buddha, a Moment before Attain Enlightenment

- Lanna Guam Ritual, this ritual will be performed the Parita recital or prayer (a Buddhist prayer for protecting from all dangers, such as fire, earthquake, tsunami, illness, etc.) under Sanghati (monk’s cloth). The patient will sit beneath this Sanghati cloth by covering his head with a monk’s bowl. Four monks will be invited to pray the Parita during holding each corner of Sanghati cloth above the patient to ward off ghosts those possessed the patient’s body.

- Lanna Tan-Khua Ritual, this ritual is about a donation of a bridge by the patient. Believe that a chronic disease patient or a person who will die but not die even if his cousins manage him to listen the Great Dharma prayer, this bridge donation will help the patient to be easier to cross over to the next world.

- Lanna Sacrifice Ritual, this ritual will be performed when occurring bad events or chronic sickness, such as a house fire or frequently encounter bad luck. The Victims believe that these bad events or conditions are due to ghosts or other powerful authorized actions. To cure is to sacrifice to the causing deity or spirit directly to end of the bad luck. There are many sacrifice types depending on the deity or spirit which the victim will prepare different offerings upon the purposes. However the typical offerings are:

- Venerable offering or the oblation, i.e. flowers, popped rice, joss stick, candles

- Honorable offering, i.e. small flag, high candle (as high as the victim’s height), white cloth, red cloth, gold, silver, etc.

- Foods and Sweets

- Sacrifice things, such as clay or dough which be formed as animals

- Another alms, such as animals for releasing to the nature

- Respectful offerings for the Master or Teacher, this is for the knowledgeable person who will perform this ceremony for the victim

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

Silver flower earrings,
'Chiang Mai Rose

- ‘Silver flower earrings, 'Chiang Mai Rose'’, from NOVICA*: Roses blossom with .950 silver splendor, becoming earrings of timeless elegance. The hook earrings are crafted by hand with masterful artistry.

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world.

Original Hand-Painted
Thai Candle Balls- Replaceable
Flowered Candle Included

- ‘Original Hand-Painted Thai Candle Balls- Replaceable Flowered Candle Included': Each element of this unique work of art is 100% Handmade, flower candles are hand carved from wax bricks, and then hand painted in Chiang Mai, Northern of Thailand. Black cases are hand painted, first all-black, then with ornate paintings of floral or landscape scenes. Candles even have a wonderful scent, designed to last for years. Each Orb is individually hand carved and then hand painted. Most people use these Orbs strictly as decoration, but you can feel comfortable using the candle itself, because the candle itself is a standard size replaceable candle. (The kind in the shallow metal cup...)

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts XII

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

Today Lanna Cultures & Traditions, we will talk about the Respectful Ceremony to the Master or Teacher.

Pictures of Khan Tang

(A sacred pedestal for Respectful Ceremony to the Master or Teacher)

- Culture & Tradition about Respectful Ceremony to the Master or Teacher, the aim of this activity is to inform the master or teacher before using or performing the studied subject or whatever (for example, studied magic or spell). The other purpose of this ceremony is for inviting the master or teacher to stay with (by spirit) before performing the studied subject to rise the holy or miraculous power.

Lanna people called this ceremony in Thai as ‘Khan Tang’ ceremony. The Khan Tang is a kind of sacred pedestal which contained tray, flower offering cone, candle, coin cone, white cloth, red cloth, betel nut, banana, sugarcane, coconut, paddy, rice, etc. For general Khan Tang in normal family, they will set a small one but complete set for this purpose. The one who helps to perform the ritual is a monk or a knowledgeable person.

The Respectful Ceremony to the Master or Teacher is classified into two sorts, the first one is for inviting the Master or Teacher (by spirit) to help on another person, the second type is for own self, such as perform this ceremony before start studying with a teacher, etc.

In the past, Lanna people raise the magic or spell to be a high valuable thing without cost (money payment), everyone who wants to study must perform this ceremony before study and do it every time when he has to execute any ritual.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

- 'Handmade COTTON BAG Chiang Mai Province Northern Thailand', famous and beautiful, hand-woven cotton bag, native cloth.

Handmade COTTON BAG
Chiang Mai Province
Northern Thailand (1)

Handmade COTTON BAG
Chiang Mai Province
Northern Thailand (2)

Handmade COTTON BAG
Chiang Mai Province
Northern Thailand (3)

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts XI

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

There are many more Lanna Cultures & Traditions to be presented. Due to the long history of Lanna which absorbed many cultures & traditions from various ancients who occupied on this territory as mentioned in previous posts: Lanna Crafts I, II, III, IV and V (please click the Roman numbers to read or see at Blog Archive).

Picture of the first heaven level named Jatumaharachika

- Culture & Tradition about Notification to the Four Celestial Guardians, any Lanna auspicious ritual or ceremony, such as House-blessing Ceremony, Ordaining as Novice Monk or a Monk, New Year Festival, etc., it must be begun with Notification to the Four Celestial Guardians step before do anything further.

The Four Celestial Guardians are the great gods who rule the first heaven level named Jatumaharachika (in Thai) or Cātummahārājika (in Bali). Each Celestial Guardian’s age is 500 years of heaven. The Gods dwell in four directions of center of universe in order to guard, look after, explore the various deeds, protect and give happiness to all of mankind. The names in Thai language of four Gods are ‘Vessuwan’, ‘Thataratha’, ‘Viroonhok’, ‘Viroopak’, who take care the world in the North, East, South, and West directions, respectively.

Except from notification to these four gods, Lanna people will need to notify to other two significant great gods to get success on their auspicious rituals; ‘Indra’, the leader of all gods in two heaven levels and the Earth Mother who is the witness of all merits of human.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

Handmade pendant coconut shell!
Elephant & necklace wax cord
Chiang Mai in Thailand /
L.18-36 cm

- ‘Handmade pendant coconut shell!Elephant & necklace wax cord Chiang Mai in Thailand / L.18-36 cm’, brand: Chiang Mai in Thailand, model: G016, handmade pendant coconut shell-Elephant & necklace wax cord

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts X

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

Lanna Cultures & Traditions, the next one is Housewarming or House-blessing Ceremony which the purpose is to bless the new house, almost same as other Thai people in the other parts of Thailand.

Picture of House-blessing Ceremony

- Culture & Tradition about Housewarming or House-blessing Ceremony, in the past, the Lanna house owner has to do many hard works for his/her house before its construction is finished, such as collecting locks and other materials for building, constructing with neighbors' helps, etc. So the owner shall be bound by and proud of the results that have been dedicated to. Then before moving in the new house, Lanna people will need to do the proper rituals: The ceremony of the new building or The religious housewarming.

First, they will search for the good day which might be suggested by a monk or knowledgeable person. Typically the famous good month for this ceremony is the twelfth month of Lanna, or other even months. The house owner needs to prepare a lot of food and food preparing equipment to set a party, and the host might hire a musical band for entertainment. The most significant thing to do is inviting a monk for making a merit and a knowledgeable person to perform the ceremony. The monk will escort the house owner or the host to enter the house for sprinkling holy water and preaching one sermon.

Many people will come to help organizing the ceremony on the day before the ceremony day. So the host will entertain the guests whom come to help by some activities till night. During this period, the young man and woman will have the opportunity to meet together.

On the housewarming day, the ceremony will start in the early morning. The house owner will notify to the Four Celestial Guardians, and prepare a statue of the Buddha, valuable chests, or pots and jars for rice, one carried-load paddy rice, one carried-load plain rice, mattress, bedclothes, and wait for the auspiciousness near the stairs leading up to the new house. There might be some good-named persons involving in the parade, such as ‘Dee (means good or nice)’, ‘Kaew (indirect meaning is the greatest respective thing)’, etc. When the auspicious time comes, the person who escorts the Buddha statue will lead and be followed by others who carry the other things. Then the monk and the knowledgeable person will perform the ceremony respectively. After the monk’s meal, making merit to the monk and the monk’s praying, and then the ceremony is completed. Finally, it’s the party time for all.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

- 'Carnelian Cluster Earrings, 'Chiang Rai Feast' ', from NOVICA*, handmade carnelian, dyed blue resin, dyed quartz and glass beads, hook earrings, .925 Sterling Silver.

Carnelian Cluster Earrings,
'Chiang Rai Feast'

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts IX

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 01:30:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

Lanna Cultures & Traditions are related to Lanna Crafts which some crafts are from its traditions, for example, a kind of wooden utensil in northern Thailand (called in Thai as ‘Khantoke’) is a food ware set for Lanna dining culture & tradition. Today, we will continue on Lanna Cultures & Traditions from the latest post ‘Culture & Tradition about Birth’ as follows:

Pictures of wood Khantoke

Pictures of bamboo Khantoke

- Culture & Tradition about Dining, the main course of Lanna meal will include sticky rice or glutinous rice and one or two things to eat with which might be soup or chili paste or dressed salad, etc. In conventional, Lanna people will set the family group to sit around at the patio or terrace connected to the house for the dining. In the present day, some families set the dining room for this purpose.

However the basic or general utensils for Lanna dining are:

- Khantoke or Satoke (Thai words) is an essential set of food containing wares, a bit high from the ground for food to be higher from ground, made of wood with many sizes.

- A deep cup for soup

- Flat bowl or plate for grill, fried, roasted foods

- Spoon, in the past they used coconut shell or bamboo to make spoon, and had only one spoon for a Khantoke set.

- Rice box, in the past it was made of bamboo lining inside with bamboo sheath to prevent the moisture and keep the heat. In present, they use a cooler lining with thin cloth for longer heat preserving.

Every food will be put on the Khantoke set, the amount depends on the appropriate number of people.

For the good dining manner and pattern, there will be laid mat at the patio or terrace, the Khantoke set will be put on this mat with washing hand water and napkins. Everyone in the family will be called to sit around the Khantoke set, it’s very important that the parents or the most eldest of family will be the first one who starts the meal, then the youngers follow. There are many polite sitting manners for dining; the man will sit by cross-legged, the lady will sit with legs tucked back to one side. To eat the sticky rice, they will use hand to keep the appropriate amount of rice in the palm, shape into ball-liked to fit to the mouth.

Impolite dining manners or prohibitive manners are farting during the meal, spitting, speaking about disgusting things, teasing or playing to each other, quarrelling, laughing, gossiping, knocking the spoon on bowl, plate or Khantoke set, stirring the soup till it spills out, choosing by spoon only what own likes, eating or dipping only the middle of rice or food, trimming, licking or kissing rice or food at fingers or utensils.

There is no dessert or snack for traditional Lanna dining meal, but it might be some fruit or boiled corn or peanuts.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

Gold plated amethyst
flower earrings,
'Chiang Rai Bouquet'

- ‘Gold plated amethyst flower earrings, 'Chiang Rai Bouquet'', from NOVICA*, captures the essence of Thai feminine elegance with the design of these earrings. The florid half hoops are crafted by hand with 24k gold plated sterling silver. Crystalline amethyst dewdrops add a touch of sophistication with 2 carats. .925 Sterling silver.

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

Chiang Mai and Northern
Thailand (Other Places
Travel Guide)

- ‘Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand (Other Places Travel Guide)’, by T. F. Rhoden, T. F. Rhoden has spent seven years exploring this fascinating country as an aid worker on the Thai-Burma border. Through his unique experiences, Rhoden provides insight into the country that has become his second home. With a comprehensive background section covering the history, culture, and logistics of travel, and sixteen sections dedicated to each stop on his recommended travel route, this book will allow travelers to feel like locals while enjoying the indisputable beauty that the North has to offer.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts VIII

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 05:30:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

Traditions are what those societies regulate as the same things or same ceremonies on what, how, when, and where. Cultures & Traditions of Lanna People are closely related to their day-life activities from birth till death as follows:

- Culture & Tradition about Birth, to give a birth is a significant issue for a mom; therefore there are some pre- processes to do, i.e. at the seventh moth of pregnancy, her husband needs to prepare some firewood for her (lying near the fire after childbirth) confinement, the birth room must be stretched with a net as ceiling and surrounded with the Buddhist white string and cabalistic writing cloth, all holes on walls or floors have to be repaired, under the birth & confinement room must be surrounded with bamboo and thorns which they believe that the spirits are afraid of them.

Picture of Thai House-Lanna Style
with space under the house

On the birth day, everyone in the house will help to prepare the room by opening or unlocking all chests and cabinets, rolling the mattress for mom’s leaning during delivery a child. Sometimes there will be hanging rope or cloth for seizing. During this period, no one should stand at the door way or obstruct at the ladder which meaning of belief in easy child birth. Even the speech, everyone must not speak about difficulty of child birth. No pregnant woman allows visiting at that time because they believe that the coming delivery children will shy together and will not come out.

There are some magic spells and holy water using for easier child birth. Some cases the mom has to drink her husband’s washing feet water if it’s difficult to give birth. When the child comes out, first, it has to tie the placenta with black thread. How to tie this cord is very important, it needs to draw blood to flow to the child’s navel. If not, believe that the child will be anemic when grows up. Placenta cutting needs to indicate the length. If too short length, the child will be impatient person when grows up.

There are more processes after that; bathing the child, selling the child (the cousins will accept as owner), taking care of child’s skin (if not, the skin will not be beautiful when grows up), etc.

The placenta which releases from the child, the parent will do sun-dry and keep in white cloth. When there are more children in family, they will soak all placentas with rainy water and let all children drink for harmonizing in family.

In case of the child dies after birth or being baby, they believe that the child will be quick reborn because of he’s very young. Before burial, the parents will cry and tell the child’s body to be reborn as their child again. Moreover, they will mark a sign by red lime at the child’s ass to know when the child is reborn with them.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

Thai Fashion Purse-
Handmade in
Chiang Mai

- 'Thai Fashion Purse- Handmade in Chiang Mai', beautiful and unique handbag is handmade at the Bann Talae handicraft center near Chiang Mai Thailand. Until now, not available outside of Thailand except as a fake or replica. Strong craftsmanship and materials make this a bag that should last a long, long time. All materials are native from the wooden beads on the strap, to the gold silk string, to the wooden button that closes the top, to the mosaic artwork material that is used in the design. Single strap design is the perfect length for carrying as a shoulder strap or clutch. Ornate mosaic material is native Thai and only available to tourists who go to this area of Northern Thailand.

Celadon ceramic figurines,
'Chiang Rai Ducklings'
(set of 4)

- 'Celadon ceramic figurines, 'Chiang Rai Ducklings' (set of 4)', from NOVICA*, these handmade whimsical figurines depict a mother duck and three charming ducklings. The Thai artisan works in cool green celadon ceramic to create the charming family.

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts VII

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions (cont.):

Mores are developed from Moralities which are about sentiment of each human being or each community on right or wrong actions depending on conscience of individual or group. For Lanna Mores, there are many of them as follows:

Picture of flower offerings called
Baai Sri

- Pid-pee is about the sexual harassment of young people from “touching or holding one’s hands” to “lose one’s virginity”. Lanna people consider this manner as wrong or irreverent against ancestors’ spirits and/or household spirits. The pid-pee family will get penalty from the spirits by illness or various disasters. If two families can be negotiable to let both living as a couple, there will be a process called ‘Sai-pee’ or ‘Sier-pee’ which allow the man side to ask for forgiveness by giving candles, flowers, money and other offerings to the spirits.

- Pid-reed or Pid-heet refers to distinct activities from family’s or community’s traditions, such as changing the date of village spirit ceremony from Songkran’s festival to another month, or changing the strict spirits’ offerings from chicken to be convenient dry food or noodle, etc. Pid-reed might effect to get any disaster to that person or to that city.

- The other significant bad mores are: the wrong or bad activities against the moralities, such as incest or destruction of human being, not taking care of parents, etc. called Pid-Clong, the irreverent or non-respect to teacher called Pid-Croo, the inappropriate actions when entering into the forest, such as bad words, speaking as bad omen, etc. called Pid-Pa, the violating the village’s rules or city’s rules, such as cutting down the main tree of village, urging people to killing or schism, etc. called Pid-Baan and Pid-Muang, respectively. All these bad mores might lead to the ruin, disaster, unfortunate, distress or anxiety to the person, family or city.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

Carnelian Cluster Earrings,
'Chiang Rai Feast'

- ‘Carnelian Cluster Earrings, 'Chiang Rai Feast'’, from NOVICA*, crafted by hand threading carnelians, dyed blue resin and glass beads with silk core. They rest over purple dyed quartz in earrings that hang from .925 sterling silver hooks.

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

Keychain bag decoration

- ‘Keychain bag decoration', keychain bag decoration make from pompom, dimensions: 8.00" h x 2.00" w x 8.00" l, .22 pounds.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts VI

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Lanna Cultures & Traditions:

Along with the long history of Lanna Kingdom, its remarkable cultures & traditions are also presented via Lanna Crafts or Handmade Products.

Picture of Sky Lantern or Floating Lantern called
Khom Loy (Thai word) especially in
Yee Peng festival

In present day, even many races or communities of people inhabit Lanna area in northern of Thailand; people from Bangkok or other parts of Thailand, foreigners from USA, Europe, India, Arab, etc., but the original Lanna people still inherit the Lanna cultures & traditions from their ancestors by performing in their day-life, beliefs, rituals, traditions and arts.

Lanna cultures and traditions are adopted from many groups of their ancestors, i.e. Lua, Man, Mon, Meng, Tai, Tai Lue, Lanchang, Haripunchai, Sipsongpanna and Burmese. During 216 years under Burmese rule, Lanna people were captured to Burma many times whom including monks and craftmen (goldsmith, sculptor, lacquer ware maker, etc.). On the contrary, Burmese people and other communities were also captured to Lanna whenever Lanna Kingdom was in strong periods. The cultural & traditional trends were acculturated and transferred between them as river tides.

As we can see the Burmese cultures in many temples of Lanna, for example, Wat San Fang in Chiang Mai, Wat Sri Chum in Lampang, etc. Burmese craftmen also inherit Lanna cultures, as now there are still special carving pattern called Chiang Mai pattern and Ayutthaya pattern in Burma (Myanmar).

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

LK Atelier "Chiang Mai"
Sterling Silver
Hoop Earrings

- ‘LK Atelier "Chiang Mai" Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings’, stylish and wearable. They are the perfect hoop earrings, hammered finish creates sparkling effect evocative of a Thai temple's shimmering roof, simple and elegant; great for day to evening. A handmade tribute to the beauty and spirituality of Northern Thailand's capital city, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Cotton table runner,
Millenary Black Lanna

- ‘Cotton table runner, Millenary Black Lanna’, from NOVICA*, Lanna's millenary artistry inspires Kanjana in the design of this black table runner. Sewn of cotton, the runner features the harmonious encounter between classic Thai brocade with a speckled composition. The table runner is decorated with pompoms, tassels and glass beads in a festive palette of purple, green, yellow, red, blue and orange hues. Dry in the shade, lay flat to dry, hand wash separately in cold water.

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts V

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Lanna History (cont.):

The Lanna Kingdom history should be ended in this post, but many stunning Lanna Crafts will still be shown further in next posts of Lanna Cultures and Traditions.

Picture of Napamaytanidol Chedi and Phra Mahathat Napaphon Bhumisiri Chedi at Doi Inthanon National Park (The Highest Mountain in Thailand) in Chiang Mai province, Thailand.

Age of Lanna Kingdom under Siamese (Thai) Rule was in the period of 2317-2427 B.E.. In 2317 B.E. after Siamese (Thai) King Taksin the Great conquered the Lanna Kingdom, Phraya Chaban (Boonma) was installed as the King of Chiang Mai and a local chief Kawila as the King of Lampang, both as vassals of Siam by Lanna traditional rules.

Nevertheless Burma (Myanmar) still tried to regain Lanna Kingdom several times, King Chaban protected Chiang Mai as strongly as possible until he passed away during the reign of King Rama 1 of Siam. Then King Rama 1 appointed King Kawila of Lampang to rule Chiang Mai further. King Kawila had started to reunite people and re-establish Chiang Mai since 2325 B.E. by expelling Burma and consolidating people who ran away into jungle during war periods, and people from Sipsongpanna and Shan State. He restored many royal traditions, reconstructed the city’s walls and monuments, and revived the religion, etc. Therefore the Lanna Kingdom had come into existence as a vassal state of Siam (Thailand) since then.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

Gold plated blue topaz
pendant necklace,
'Lanna Sun'

- 'Gold plated blue topaz pendant necklace, 'Lanna Sun' ', from NOVICA*, 21k gold plated sterling silver handmade necklace of extraordinary elegance, blue topaz, the stone of truth and forgiveness, centers the original design with 2 gemstone carats.

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

Thai Fashion Purse-
Handmade in
Chiang Mai

- 'Thai Fashion Purse- Handmade in Chiang Mai', handmade beautiful and unique handbag from Chiang Mai Thailand, not available at stores or even unique import gift shops, strong, durable craftsmanship, all hand stitching and native materials, single clutch strap accentuated with gold string and beadwork, material is reinforced throughout the bag and the bottom, single wooden button closure at the top.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts IV

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Lanna History (cont.):

The Lanna Kingdom history is continuing performed in this post with some wonderful Lanna Crafts to be shown.

Picture of Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple
in Chiang Mai province, Thailand.

Age of Lanna Kingdom under the regime of Burma (Myanmar) was during the period of 2101-2317 B.E.. Burmese King Bayinnaung had invaded and conquered the Lanna Kingdom from the north since 2101 B.E., until 2317 B.E. in the reign of Siamese (Thai) King Taksin the Great, the Lanna Kingdom was ruled under Siam or Thailand.

Among the above mentioned age under the Burmese Rules, Siamese King Naresuan the Great, and King Narai the Great in two different periods of time set the troops from Ayutthaya (the capital of Siam) to conquer Chiang Mai, the capital of Lanna Kingdom. Besides, there were some parts of time which Chiang Mai and its colonial cities were separated to be isolated states, because of the internal political problems of Burma from time to time.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

Handmade Pendant & Necklace
wax cord & coconut shell
Chiang Mai in Thailand /
L.18-36 cm

- ‘Handmade Pendant & Necklace wax cord & coconut shell Chiang Mai in Thailand / L.18-36 cm’, impressive craft: coconut shell pendant with the wax cord necklace from Chiang Mai.

Thai Fashion Silk
Rope Handbags -
Handmade in
Chiang Mai

- ‘Thai Fashion Silk Rope Handbags - Handmade in Chiang Mai', handmade beautiful and unique handbag from Chiang Mai, Thailand (Not available at stores or even unique import gift shops.), strong, durable craftsmanship, all hand stitching and native materials, long string can be tucked inside the purse for use as a clutch, accentuated with Thai Silk mosaic artwork and a mesh section near the top, mesh material is reinforced throughout the bag and the bottom, zipper closure at the top seals bag completely.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts III

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Lanna History (cont.):

There are a lot more attractive Lanna Crafts which will be shown later on, whilst the interesting Lanna history is continuing presented as follows.

Picture of a reconstructed Lanna Royal Pavilion
in Chiang Mai province, Thailand.

The Decline and Fall Age of Lanna Kingdom was in 2068-2101 B.E.. There were many main issues of decline; at that time, there was a four years period which no king reigned the kingdom because of nobility’s conflict, king’s assassination, and king’s dethronement. Furthermore, another issue was the structure of Lanna Kingdom, many towns were settled down in valleys which were easily isolated independently.

From the previous, the kings of Lanna tried to build up relatives-relationships by marriages of Lanna’s princes or princesses with the colonial cities’ for stronger and stable kingdom. Later, when the kingdom grew larger with more expanding of territory, the kingdom itself needed more efficient bureaucracy than relatives system. The Lanna Kingdom failed to change the system which leaded to be declined and defeated easily against more powerful growing neighbor, Burma (Myanmar).

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

- ‘Handmade COTTON BAG Chiang Mai Province Northern Thailand', famous and beautiful, hand-woven cotton bag, native cloth.

Handmade COTTON BAG Chiang Mai Province Northern Thailand

- ‘Handmade Hair Barrette soft CAPTIVATING !! wood flower paint color/ W.2.5 cm. /L.18.5 cm. Chiang Mai Province in Thailand', a beautiful hair barrette craft from Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Handmade Hair Barrette soft CAPTIVATING !! wood flower paint color/ W.2.5 cm. /L.18.5 cm. Chiang Mai Province in Thailand

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts II

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 01:30:00 +0000

Lanna History (cont.):

Some charming Lanna Crafts were recommended in previous post, but the long story of Lanna history was not over yet. Please follow us back to the past of Lanna.

The prosperity era of Lanna Kingdom was in 1898-2068 B.E., around 170 years. The prosperity had been obviously developed since King Kue Na (the sixth king of Meng Rai Dynasty) till King Kaew (the eleventh king of Meng Rai Dynasty), six reigning kings totally. The highest prosperity or the Golden Age was in the reign of King Tilokarat (1984-2030 B.E., 46 years). The Lanna Kingdom Golden Age remarkable features were:

King Tilokarat

- The widest expansion of territory comparing to any era; North: to Shan state in Burma and Sipsongpanna of China, South: to the border cities of Ayutthaya (Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, etc.), East: captured Phrae and Nan cities, and spread to Lan Xang Kingdom of Luangprabang.

- Flourished Religions

- Good Economy

In the last two years of King Kaew (2066-2068 B.E.), there were some events leaded to Lanna Kingdom weakness and deterioration as follows:

- Year 2066 B.E., King Kaew sent 20,000 soldiers to war at Chiang Dtung (or Kengtong), but be defeated.

- In 2068 B.E., there was a large flood at Chiang Mai capital which caused a lot of dead people, and also King Kaew passed away.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

- 'Bracelet, 'Lanna Shield' ‘ from NOVICA*, an extraordinary crafted bracelet. 0.925 rating silver, fashions a filigree of jasmine blossoms on a silver cuff, inspiration from the gardens of the craft maker’s village.

Bracelet, 'Lanna Shield

- 'Batik art, 'Lanna Melodies' ‘ from NOVICA*, dressed according to the fashion dictates of ancient Lanna, a woman gently picks at the strings of a white sueng. Her sweet melodies are graphically depicted in a portrait. Crafted with batik techniques on cotton, it is framed in rain tree wood.

Batik art, 'Lanna Melodies

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

(To be continued)

Lanna Crafts I

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Lanna History:

Before we go to see the valuable and beautiful Lanna Crafts, we should know about Lanna history as the background.

Lanna in present day is located in the Northern part of Thailand which consists of its long history in the past as follows. Around the 13^th to 18^th century of Buddhist era before origination of Lanna Kingdom in the 19^th century, there were several scattered states around the Northern valleys of Thailand, i.e. Haripunchai, Yonok, Khelang Nakhon, Phrae Town, Pua Town, and Phayao Town. They had their own histories before being merged to be Lanna Kingdom.

Three Lanna Kings Monument

The initiation of Lanna Kingdom started from 1839 B.E. after King Mengrai (or Phaya Mengrai, Thai language) gathered many states in the region as mentioned above. On April 12, 1839 B.E., when King Mengrai (center in above picture) was 57 years old, the king invited King Ngam Muang of Phayao (left) and King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai (right) to set planning of the Chiang Mai city boundary and established as the capital. From then onwards (more than 700 years past), the Lanna Kingdom entered into the founding era which was reigned by four kings respectively.

Today recommended Crafts/Handmade Products:

Men’s sterling silver
spinner band ring,
Lanna Hero

- ‘Men’s sterling silver spinner band ring, Lanna Hero’ by NOVICA*, .925 Sterling silver masculine design of this ring glows with a tinge of ancestral elegance, the band ring is crafted with the lost wax technique featuring a sterling silver braid. Oxidized and polished contrasts combine into an attractive finish.

Cotton cushion covers,
'Lanna Ladies' Charm' (pair)

- ‘Cotton cushion covers, 'Lanna Ladies' Charm' (pair)’ by NOVICA*, three women from Lanna (northern Thailand) pose cheerfully in an original composition of great charm. Use batik on 100% cotton in a pair of handmade cushion covers, ideal for informal contemporary decor. This pair will feature the same design, but the colors may vary slightly to those pictured, making each a unique work of art.

*NOVICA: who works in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

(To be continued)

Hill Tribal Crafts XIII

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 02:30:00 +0000

Hill Tribes (cont.):

- Lua or Lawa, believe that their origin was from south of Thailand, Malaya or Cambodia around more than 2,000 years ago. In present, Lua people are a minority cultural group native to Laos and significantly populated in Laos, Northern provinces of Thailand (Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son) and the United States (the states of California, Minnesota, Tennessee, Washington, Iowa and Illinois). Most Lua people speak Thai language as their first language even they have their own languages which depending upon their habitats.

One husband one wife marriage is their culture. The wife will move into her husband’s home and respect her husband’s passed away ancestors’ spirits. The eldest son needs to build a new family home by himself after marriage, but the youngest son will inherit his parents’ properties and take care of his parents through the life.

Unmarried Lua girls dress loose white blouses, and wear the distinctive strings of bright yellow and orange beads on the neck. After marriage, they still wear the beads, but the brightly colored clothes are replaced with a long fawn dress.

Today recommended product is the Lao’s style product, ‘Beautiful Valentines Day Gifts Craftsmanship Crafts Handmade Laos Shoulder Bag’, 100% from Laos, this is original local style and can mix with your dress.

Hill Tribal Crafts XII

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 02:30:00 +0000

Hill Tribes (cont.):

- Tai Lue or Dai Lue, the origin of Tai Lue was established in Sipsongpanna of China in the 12^th century. In middle of 1949 A.D. (2492 B.E.), they immigrated into Chiang Rai province of Thailand around 20 homesteads. Now Tai Lue people inhabit many provinces of Northern Thailand; Chiang Rai (at Mae Sai), Chiang Mai (at Samoeng & Doi Saket), Nan, Phayao, Lampang and Lamphun. There are also Tai Lue people in Burma (Myanmar), Laos and Vietnam.

Almost all Tai Lue people are stringent Buddhists. They build a lot of magnificent architectures in every temple of their community, and maintain all of them in nice condition till today.

Recommended products for today are book and video about Crafts of Thailand and Hill Tribes:

(To be continued)

Hill Tribal Crafts XI

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Hill Tribes (cont.):

- Kachin or Jingpo or Jinghpaw, live in Kachin State and Shan state of Burma (Myanmar), China and India. Some immigrated into Chiang Mai province of Thailand. Kachin people are close to Tai, Lisu, Lahu and Akha, as the Tibetan-Burmese blood. They are known for their disciplined fighting skills, handicraft, herbal healing and jungle survival skills. Kachin people vary in Christians, Buddhists and Animists.

Marriage of Kachin people, Kachin woman will not go out with a man if she is unsure that he is the one who will marry her. They will not marry with whom use the same surname. After marriage, they do not use the same surname, but their baby will follow his/her father’s surname. If the groom doesn’t earn the bride-price, he needs to stay and work at the bride’s home for 7 years.

Recommended products for today are books and songs about Kachin or Jingpo:

(To be continued)

Hill Tribal Crafts X

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Hill Tribes (cont.):

- Yunnan or How (Lanna language), they live in Yunnan province which borders to Shan state of Burma (Myanmar), Laos and Vietnam, and not so far from the northernmost of Thailand. The immigrated Yunnan people in Thailand can be classified as three groups: Caravan merchants group, Refugees group (1856-1873 A.D.), and the Chinese liberation army group (1949 A.D.).

There are two communities of them as follows:

- Pathi (Burmese word) or Pang Hse (Shan word) or Pa Si (Lanna word) all words are assumed that from the word ‘Persia’, refers to Yunnan Muslim people who are around 1/3 of all Yunnan people in Thailand,

- the other community is called Pa Ha (Lanna word) who respect passed away ancestors’ spirits as traditional Chinese people.

One interesting popular culture of Yunnan girls is cloth strapping on her feet from being children to prevent the big feet when growing up. So Yunnan girls walk in very slow step and her feet look like dolls’.

Today recommended Crafts are:

- Yunnan Premium White Milli- Silver Needle Tea,Handmade Tea,100g; white tea, help you be more healthy, beautiful, slim and sexy, lose weight, reduce blood pressure, diminish inflammation, clear heat.

- Yunnan Colorful: Organic Wuyi Wulong Tea Bags Weight Loss Oolong. 200g; famous Oolong tea, help clear heat.

(To be continued)