phuang malai (พวงมาลัย)

Thai. ‘Cluster of flowers’. A flower garland, primarily made of fragrant jasmine –in Thai called ma-li (fig.)– and commonly decorated with other colourful flowers. Often, also the flowers of the kradang nga ngaw (fig.) are used. Thai garlands are used as a traditional welcome gift, to pay homage and as an offering. There are many different kinds and models, the most notable being the ‘malai khlong meua’, a round-shaped garland to wear around the wrist; the ‘malai song chai’, a double garland with two ends connected with a string or band to wear around the neck; the ‘malai piya’, an oval-shaped garland with below a tassel of flowers and at the top a string to be hung from one point; and the ‘malai tum’, a somewhat bulbous garland with below a floral tassel and on top a bowed band for hanging. They are typically sold near temples, as well as to automobilists by street vendors at traffic lights, especially on Buddhist holidays known as Wan Phra, with some vendors reminding passersby by putting up signs that read Wan Nih Wan Phra (วันนี้วันพระ), i.e. ‘Today Wan Phra’ (fig.). For protection in traffic, drivers of cars typically hang the garlands on their rear view mirrors, while boat drivers hang hang them on the bow of their boats,  as an offering to the spirits of the land and the water. Also transcribed phuang mahlay. Garlands are a specific type of kaan jad dokmai. See also POSTAGE STAMPS, THEMATIC STREET LIGHT, and TRAVEL PICTURE (1) and (2). 回