The annual Colors of Kasalong event has opened in Thailand’s northernmost city of Chiangrai, welcoming tourists to experience festive spirit and Lanna cultural stories until January 31.
Photo by Sun Guangyong/ People's Daily
Most eye-catching is the Christmas tree standing 15 meters tall at Kasalong Square outside the Central Chiangrai shopping mall.
The "Mok Panwa Christmas Tree” was made from 2,000 meters of hand-woven natural fabrics handcrafted over three months by villagers and ethnic tribes on Doi Tung, a mountain in the Thai highlands.
The term mok refers to the beautiful phenomenon of mist that occurs every year at the onset of the Christmas season in Chiang Rai.
The tree was woven from materials including bamboo, pine, woven butterflies, dyed silk, cotton, mulberry paper and vetiver.
The vibrant colors reflect the traditional costumes of the Akha, Lahu, Lua, Tai Yai, Tai Lue and Hmong ethnic minorities.
The top of the tree is decorated with a golden talaew, a talisman to ward off evil spirits often used in Lanna fortune-telling rituals.
The Lanna people of Northern Thailand comprise approximately 8 million people, or 12 percent of Thailand's population.
Their unique identity is also being showcased at the December 1-7 Chiang Rai Dancing Flower event.
All the events are being sponsored by the Central Chiangrai shopping mall and royal charity the Mae Fah Luang Foundation.
