newsare.net
Most Thais have never witnessed a coronation -- it has been almost 70 years since the last one, when the young Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned in 1950. But while Bangkok may have changed from a slow-moving capital to a bustling modern city, the spectacular corTiered golden crown, sceptre and sacred water: the Thai king's coronation
Most Thais have never witnessed a coronation -- it has been almost 70 years since the last one, when the young Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned in 1950. But while Bangkok may have changed from a slow-moving capital to a bustling modern city, the spectacular coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn will tack closely to intricate traditions. From sacred water purification and a diamond-encrusted crown to a grand procession, here are five rituals to look for when King Vajiralongkorn is crowned Rama X this weekend. Royal purification The entire coronation ceremony extends over three days from May 4-6, but Saturday is the one to watch. The first day rituals represent a symbolic transformation from the human to the divine for the monarch. First, at the auspicious time of 10:09 am - some speculate the hour reflects Rama X's reign, while '9' in Thai sounds like the word for 'progress' - the royal purification ceremony begins. Wearing a white robe, the king will enter a pavilion at the Grand Palace, where he will be doused in sacred water from five rivers and four ponds in Thailand. In the distant past water was collected from specific rivers in India, reflecting the influential blend of... Read more











