| Whether you follow the evolution of the ancient | | | | mural painting themes of earth, heaven and hell. The |
| Indian alphabet or take pleasure in the elaborate | | | | customs and traditions of the Thai people are also |
| decoration of the palace buildings, Thai culture is one | | | | expressed through mural painting, offering visual |
| you'll never tire of experiencing. From the sweet and | | | | accompaniments for a strong religious country. |
| spicy balance of Thai cuisine to the nature-based city | | | | Colorful glass mosaics, ornate carved wood, as well |
| tours, you will encounter the sense of an overall | | | | as pointed towers are just some of the architectural |
| embrace of spirituality when exploring Thailand | | | | elements associated with Thai culture. The best |
| culture. | | | | places to explore classical design are often at the |
| The Art of Expression | | | | royal palace buildings, temples and pagodas. |
| From the everyday essence of their arts, it is clear | | | | Buddhist art sculptures are highly religious, often |
| that Thai cultural expression is heavily influenced by | | | | depicting various images of Buddha. The creations of |
| the religion of the land. To truly appreciate the | | | | these works of art have gone through many |
| beauty of Thai art, a traveler to the land should pay | | | | different periods, as seen in the varying styles of |
| visits to an assortment of temples, palaces, | | | | presentation. Thai literature is characterized by |
| architectural sites, as well as displays of paintings, | | | | historic verse, as well as the eloquent prose of |
| dance, music, and crafts. The Thai culture is best | | | | today's Thai writers. In dance, Thais use graceful, |
| represented when experiencing a blend of all forms | | | | slow movements to express themselves. Popular |
| of expression. It is through this mixture of art that | | | | drama options include marionettes, shadow plays, |
| we begin to grasp some of the influences and | | | | Thai folk opera, as well as dance drama. Classical Thai |
| inspirations that the Thai people draw from. Most of | | | | music is often created with the sound of four |
| these displays of creativity are in some way shaped | | | | instrument categories: percussion, woodwind, plucking |
| by their Buddhist way of life. | | | | and drawing. |
| Inside Buddhist temples and palaces, classical Thai | | | | This concludes Part One of my exploration of Thai |
| painting awaits. It is interesting to view the common | | | | Culture. Part two will be submitted in exactly 5 days. |