Ratchapruek or Dork Koon (Golden Shower or Cassia fistula)
Flower of Thailand.
Its bright yellow petals catch your eyes from a distance when it comes to the blooming season. They can be seen along the sides of the roads throughout the country during the summer time.
We strongly believe that it is an auspecious flower which was assigned as our nation’s emblem on 26 October, 2001 onwards.
Why has yellow become a colour of great respect?
Ratchapruek or Ton Koon is a tropical plant grown many places in Asia such as Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Srilangka and Thailand. As it is a big tree, therefore it is better grown in an open area. The tree blooms into such fabulous yellow flowers, it is considered the ” Flower of our King” due to its’ golden colour that matches the colour of Monday, the day our great king was born.
Do you know that there are 3 emblems of kingdom of Thailand?
Elephant is the first emblem of Thailand
Sala Thai or a Thai house is an achitectural emblem.
Ratchapruek flower is one of our three nation’s emblems.
Why Ratchapruek is the flower of Thailand.
Let’s find out.
- Ratchapruek can be easily grown anywhere around the country.
- Ratchapruek has had a long history of being used in many important ceremonies because of its auspecious belief.
- It has great properties for medication treatments.
- It is a big tree and strong which is good for building houses.
- Its golden yellow flower and petals that stretch out, resemble the similar shape of the symbol of Buddhism.
- Ratchapruek tree lives and lasts for a long period of time.
- It is marked as one of the nine auspicious trees in which believe represents greatness and triumph.
How does Ratchapruek relates to the belief and religio?
Many ceremonies in the past used Ratchapruek either its flower or its tree for many purposes.
For example;
- Made The city pillar shrine
3. Made the tip of the Army flag.
Ancient Thais have believed that growing Ratchapruek trees in any houses, its auspecious property would honor those who live in the house. The best direction to grow Ratchapruek is in the south west of every house, where the sun faces this direction most of the day. The tree generates heat and this is why Ratchapruek should be grown there to protect the house from the strong sun. This wise belief is one of many ways to reduce heat and it could save energy.
As mentioned above the Ratchapruek tree grown elsewhere it meant to give honor and great respect. It has many great properties that led to it becoming the Kingdom of Thailand national emblem.
I have always wished that one day Ratchapruek will become more famous amongst Thai people and to the outer world, attracting more people from around the world to visit Thailand because of this flower.
As Thai people, we can promote Ratchapruek flower to become popular around the world, and well known as a symbol of Thailand just like Sakura flowers(Cherry Blossoms) of Japan. This creates yet another source to draw even more tourists to enjoy season of Ratchapruek in Thailand, like many would go to Japan for Sakura.
We at Linguaplus have always shown, what great things Thailand has and how lucky Thai people are to have the great king. We , would love very much to show other people as much as we can by presenting interested stories about our country.
We thank you all our students who always join in and participate in the activities of Thai traditions, thank you also to all our readers.
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