Poem of Worshiping and Giving an Offering Ritual to the White Nine-Tiered Umbrella: Its Background and the Boundary of Siam in the Reign of King Rama IV

Abstract

Poem of the worshiping and giving an offering ritual to the white nine-tiered umbrella is Thai literature whose manuscript is collected at the National Library of France. It is a white book featured with Thai alphabets in Rattanakosin Period. The book is inscribed with the worshiping and giving an offering ritual to the white nine-tiered umbrella inside Phaisan Taksin Throne Hall (Phra Thinang Phaisan Taksin) at the Grand Palace. From transliteration and study, it is found that the literary text resembles the royal composition by Prince Dechadisorn, who wrote poems to give blessings to the white nine-tiered umbrella in different throne halls on the occasion of celebrating and giving an offering to the white nine-tiered umbrella in the reign of King Rama IV. Accordingly, this literary book can be regarded as a significant royal composition. Furthermore, the study also shows that during worshiping and giving an offering ritual to the deities protecting the royal umbrellas, various cities on the boundary of the kingdom are mentioned to join and swear allegiance to the king. The names of the cities listed in the poetry book demonstrate the Kingdom of Siam in the reign of King Rama IV, and some cities still exist such as Muang Bang Khlang.