If you are a native citizen of Thailand, chances are you may have been captivated by the beauty of the flowers displayed during the Chiangmai and Loi Krathong Festivals. Regardless of your age, you may have felt it was important to take part in at least one festival during your lifetime. No matter whether you want to ride on a float or march in the parade, having the best and most beautiful flowers will be very important. Here are some things to keep in mind as you select flowers for your costume and float.
Flowers and Your Role in the Parade Floats
As you may be aware, in Thailand float designers spend several months between deciding on a theme, building the frame, and then selecting suitable flowers, trees, and plants to add to the float. If you are planning on being a float handler, or riding in the float, it is very important to choose flowers for your costume that will match the motif and theme of the float. Since some flowers are harder to obtain than others, you should only deal with a florist shop that has a good reputation for getting high quality festival flowers on time. Needless to say, when your float is presented for judging, you will not want to let your team mates down simply because the flowers you possess are wilted, or do not have a brilliant color to them. For most festivals floats are decorated throughout the night, since it is cooler and possible to keep the flowers in better condition than in the heat of the day.
Choosing Flowers to Carry and For Your Costume
Even though Thai flowers are some of the most beautiful in the world, many are too delicate for arranging on a costume. With some expert advice, you can learn more about more durable flowers for your costume, and then carry the more delicate ones by hand, or even weave them into hair strands. For example, Sampaguita flowers and banana leaves can be used on garments and leis, while hibiscus and orchid flowers can be used for hair and wrist adornments. Jasmine flowers are also often used as garlands. During flower festivals like the Chiang Mai flower festivals people will give jasmine garlands to the festival goers.
When you take part in a Thai flower festival, you will want to be the most beautiful and elegant person in the parade. Under these circumstances, only the finest flowers from reliable sources will suit your needs. You can can visit the Gogoflorist flower shop and learn why people from all over Thailand rely on us as a supplier for flower festivals.
Malee Kaya is a Thai florist with over 10 years of experience in helping to plan costumes for various flower festivals. Malee has also been known to create stunning garlands and other pieces for weddings and other celebrations. She is also available for consultation on specialty dishes and common recipes featuring Thai flowers.
