Thai floral art is as old as the people of Thailand. Mainly practised by the wealthy and those related to the palace, it was also something that local villagers used in offerings to Buddha. There is a definite style to Thai floral art and it can be clear that an arrangement is north or north eastern as opposed to a southern or city based arrangement. Form and technique is what prevail over material for most of the Thai floral art.
There has been a strong flower culture in Thailand since ancient times. Closely related to religious symbols and seen in offerings to Buddha, the seemingly simple Lotus flower has many different meanings and translations in Thai culture. Perhaps one of the most painted and prevalent flowers in all of Thailand, the Lotus is certainly one of the earliest documented species in Thai literature.
Thailand
One of the most popular and familiar of flowers associated with religion is the Lotus flower. Not a particularly exotic species, its commonness and prevalence may be indicative of the Buddhist religion in Thailand.
Other flowers that have gained in popularity over time and are forever thought of as symbols of the Thai people are orchids. There are more species of orchids in Thailand than any other place in Asia. with such a high export market, the humble orchid can be used not only as a decorative botanical item but also as a food ingredient. Turmeric is cultivated from orchids and makes up another strong export market commodity for Thailand.
There are many botanical gardens that pay homage to the different nationalities that have come and settled on the pristine beaches of Thailand. Bringing with them the gardening taste from whence they came. Swiss themed gardens abound in the Rose garden just north of Bangkok. Such contrast against the Thai climate and scenery is actually quite beautiful and perhaps encapsulates the Thai welcoming and accepting personality completely.
Flower Culture in Thailand
