toob thian phae (ธูปเทียนแพ)

Thai. ‘Float, raft or platform of incense and candles’. Name for an offering of ‒usually ten in number‒ yellowish-orange Buddhist candles and usually the equal amount of thick rods of incense, which are typically greyish-brown to silvery in colour, reminiscent of the ton mai ngeun ton mai thong (fig.), the silver and golden miniature trees, that were offered by vassal states to the Siamese kings during the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods, to demonstrate their loyalty. The candles and incense rods are laid down horizontally on top of each other in two layers of 5 rods for each of the candles and incense sticks, and bound together in a bundle, usually with an ornamental string or ribbon. It is typically placed on a tray called phaan (fig.) and always accompanied by a real or fake banana-leaf that is folded into a small cone and topped with a small flower or some other ornament, and referred to as a phanom mahk (fig.). This type of offering is often made from clay or other durable materials, including silk. The candles are arranged on top of the incense rods, though official offerings for government related ceremonies, are usually arranged the other way around. Also referred to as simply thian phae (เทียนแพ). 回