the red dot on telephone
the red dot on camera
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
final project: Bangkok, Thailand
1. Memorial
Memorial bridge
The Memorial Bridge is a bridge over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, connecting the districts of Phra Nakhon and Thonburi.
The bridge was opened on 6 April 1932,[1] by King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Chakri Dynasty and the foundation of Bangkok, shortly before the Siamese Coup d'état on 24 June 1932. In English the bridge is commonly known as Memorial Bridge, however in Thai it is most commonly known as Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge, after King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), the first king of the Chakri Dynasty.
Tsunami Memorial Sculpture, Krabi
The Asian tsunami on December 26th 2004 claimed over 220,000 lives. In Thailand, over 5,000 people were killed.
The sculpture entitled ‘Hold Me Close’ is the work of elderly French artist Louise Bourgeois. In 2005, Bourgeois described the meaning behind her work:
Phraya Singhanatracha‘This tragedy reminds us how fragile our lives are and how little we can do except to hold onto each other. These hands say I will not let you go, but do not abandon me. Keep your grip. Hold me close forever and ever.’
Located at the foot of Doi Kong Mu in Mae Hong Son’s city is Phraya Singhanatracha Memorial. He was the first governor of Mae Hong Son province. Phraya Singhanatracha is a Thai Yai native from Burma ( Myanmar) and he was regarded by the people as the governor of Khun Yuam Town, which was to the south of Mae Hong Son. Later, he was officially appointed as the governor of Mae Hong Son by the King of Lanna in 1874.
2. Death
Traditional funeral
When somebody dies, the corpse is kept 7 days in the house before the cremation. During six evenings, monks come and pray. On the coffin, light garlands and a picture of the deceased person can be found. For poorer people, the dead body can be cremated between 3 to 7 days. The formalin used to reduce body decomposition is expensive for poor people.
Guests come, often dressed with dark clothes and sometimes a white shirt. Everybody greet each other. Waiters offer water or coke. From the first to the sixth day, monks come every evening around 7 p.m. On the seventh day cremation happens during the afternoon. Usually 4 monks are coming during the evening prayers. But number can vary depending on the status and rank of the deceased person. Then they summon incantations in Pali language during 30 minutes. When prayers are over, a car brings the monks back to their temple.
carrying coffin to buddhist temple
Food is then offered to every guest. Everybody is chatting. Even during the monks prayers, some people are still chatting. Atmosphere is not so sad, there are no loud tears. Family, relations, neighbours and even unknown people to the family can assist to those prayers. Sometimes an old and famous monk is present but doesn't take part in the ceremony. His presence indicates that the deceased person had a high rank.
On the contrary of foreign countries, funeral ceremony is ,not a sad event. Everybody talk. For Buddhist people, death is only a passage to next life. Corpse is burned to allow the spirit to escape
funeral coffin
3. Live
In Thailand, people celebrate their birthday by many ways. Besides, the normal ways are, having dinner with families, hanging out with friends, blowing birthday candle, making wish, and eating birthday. Some people celebrate their birthdays by going to temple for
making merit. Releasing is one of the most common things in Thailand to do
birthday. There is one belief that is releasing turtle will make you so people
thing their lives will be flowing without any obstacle. And some release birds
because they believe they will have more freedom just like birds flying everywhere
freely.
Celebrating birthday in Thailand, in the very Thai way, is
to do something good, both for you and for others. It will bring you the better
fortune for upcoming year of your age. However, you can also go for party, it
is also acceptable.
Monday, March 9, 2015
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