The Essence of Kap Hae Ruea (Royal Barge Song) Creation and Adaptation

Abstract

Kap Hae Ruea (Royal Barge Song) is a literary genre that emerged and evolved over an extended period, with evidence of its development spanning from the Ayutthaya period to the Rattanakosin period. The essence of Kap Hae Ruea changes according to the poet's intentions within each specific context or time period. In its early stages, from the work of Prince Thammathibet to that of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, Kap Hae Ruea was composed in the nirat style (poetic travelogue), Kap Hae Ruea was composed in the style of nirat (poetic travelogue) with a primary focus on emotional elevation. The adaptation of Kap Hae to serve the royal barge ceremony for ritual purposes occurred during the reign of King Mongkut, specifically during the royal Loy Krathong ceremony. On this occasion, Prince Thammathibet's Kap Hae Ruea was recited during the

worship of the Triple Gems and the lighting of lantern candles. Later, Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs organized a ceremonial boat parade to honor the King, which was first publicly showcased during the coronation ceremony of His Majesty King Vajiravudh. Since then, the essence of the Kap Hae Ruea has completely transformed into an ode to glorify the king's honor. This tradition continued through the reigns of King Prajadhipok and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The aim is to present the royal policies established during the reign of King Vajiravudh, which focus on upholding the core institutions of the nation: religion, and the monarchy. This tradition has been maintained through to the present day.