THE ROLE OF THAI FLORAL ART ADAPTATION IN TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This study examines the forms, characteristics, and roles of adapted Thai floral art in traditional Thai ceremonies using a qualitative ethnographic approach. Data were collected from 15 key informants, including Thai floral art experts, entrepreneurs, and traditional ceremony organizers, through interviews and non-participant observation. The data were analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively. The findings indicate that adapted Thai floral art in traditional ceremonies can be classified into four categories: merit-making, wedding, ordination, and funerary ceremonies, representing auspiciousness, love, faith, and mourning, respectively. In contemporary contexts, Thai floral art adaptation features the use of diverse materials, faster production techniques, and designs that respond to modern functional needs while maintaining Thai identity through traditional forms and symbolism. Adapted Thai floral art plays an important role in religious, cultural, aesthetic, social, and economic dimensions, and represents a balance between preserving traditional wisdom and incorporating modern innovation. These findings provide practical guidance for designers and entrepreneurs in developing culturally grounded yet market-responsive products and offer insights for creative economy policy development that links cultural preservation with value creation.