Cultural Story
Siamese Gold
Siamese Gold is the soul of Thai Buddhist art. Thailand, the "Land of the Yellow Robe," has over 40,000 temples, nearly all gleaming with gold. Bangkok's Wat Arun and Chiang Mai's Wat Phra That Doi Suthep blaze with gold leaf. Thais believe applying gold to temples is the highest merit—devotees save for years to offer a single gold leaf.
Origin
Gold leaf applied to Buddha images and temple surfaces. Thai gold leaf craftsmanship is world-renowned.
Symbolism
Siamese Gold symbolizes Buddha's light, enlightenment, merit, and eternity.
Historical Origin
Thai gold leaf craftsmanship dates to the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238-1583).
Traditional Applications
Architecture
Ceremony
Craft
Related Poems
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