Blessing in Thai Panegyric Literature

Abstract

A blessing is one of contents in Thai literature which appears in some parts of a story such as invocation and intension of poet. It can be generally seen that the poet or the story are often blessed. A blessing in Thai literature often appears in panegyric literature which is a literary convention that is interesting as well as has been continued from Ayutthaya period to contemporary time. Contents of blessings in panegyric literature are composed of the holy thing, the king and the country with individuals. There are two attributes of blessings: the first is to describe the blessing in details, and the second is to include the holy thing and benediction in the blessing. Blessings in panegyric literature gradually change. That is to say, blessings in panegyric literature during Ayutthaya and Rama I period were focused on the details of the holy thing and the king is blessed. On the one hand, blessings in panegyric literature during Rama II and III period were emphasized on the king more than on the holy thing which was just mentioned only a name. Lastly, blessings in panegyric literature from Rama V to contemporary time have expanded the person who was blessed from the king to the royal family, country and individuals.