Author: adminsiam

In Thai mythology, Naga (พญานาค) represents a legendary serpent-like creature, revered and feared for its mystical powers. These majestic beings, adorned with shimmering scales, have been intertwined with the cultural fabric of Thailand and its neighboring countries for centuries. Nagas are known for their immense strength, ability to shapeshift, and venom so potent that it can even kill deities.

The origins of Naga trace back to Indian mythology, introduced to Southeast Asia through religious and cultural exchanges. They became a central figure in Thai folklore, symbolizing both protection and destruction, and are often depicted as guardians of rivers, temples, and treasures.

In the Tribhum Phra Ruang, an ancient Thai cosmological text, Nagas are categorized into four major lineages, each distinguished by the color of their scales: gold, green, multicolored, and black. These lineages not only differ in appearance but also in their origins, abilities, and dispositions.

1. Viroopaksa (วิรูปักษ์) – The Golden Nagas

The Viroopaksa lineage is the most powerful and revered among the Nagas. They possess golden scales that glisten like sunlight and are considered semi-divine beings. All Viroopaksa Nagas are said to be born through opapatika, a miraculous birth where they appear fully formed, often descending from the heavens amidst storms and lightning.

These celestial Nagas reside in the heavenly realms, living in opulent palaces akin to those of angels and gods. Their wisdom and magical prowess make them leaders among Nagas, often serving as intermediaries between the divine and mortal worlds.

2. Chappaya Putta (ฉัพพยาปุตตะ) – The Rainbow Nagas

The rarest and most enigmatic lineage, Chappaya Putta Nagas are adorned with iridescent scales that shimmer in hues of the rainbow. They are a symbol of beauty and rarity, often appearing only during moments of great significance, accompanied by rain and rainbows.

These Nagas are born through chalaputta, a human-like birth process where they are carried and born from a mother. This lineage is believed to house souls who have accumulated great merit in past lives. Their purpose often transcends earthly concerns, focusing on spiritual pursuits and meditation.

Legends suggest that Chappaya Putta Nagas are deeply connected to rain and fertility, blessing lands with prosperity when they emerge from their hidden sanctuaries.

3. Kanhakotama (กัณหาโคตมะ) – The Black Nagas

The Kanhakotama lineage is renowned for its unparalleled strength and combat prowess. With dark, obsidian-like scales, these Nagas exude an aura of intimidation and power. They are born through sangsetaja, emerging from sweat or moisture, a form of birth associated with primal energy and raw strength.

Despite their lowly origins, Kanhakotama Nagas are fierce warriors, often taking center stage in myths involving battles. They are known for their temperamental and aggressive nature but can achieve extraordinary power if born through higher means, such as opapatika.

One of the most famous legends speaks of Saen Sirichantranakaraj, a black Naga born through opapatika, who possessed enough power to rival even the mighty Garuda, the eternal nemesis of the Nagas.

4. Aerapata (เอราปถะ) – The Green Nagas

Aerapata Nagas, with their vibrant green scales, are the most familiar to humans. They are often depicted as guardians of rivers and temples and are deeply rooted in Thai folklore. These Nagas are born through andaja, the process of hatching from eggs, symbolizing their connection to nature and the earthly realm.

Known for their expertise in venom, they are both protectors and warriors. Many tales recount Aerapata Nagas disguising themselves as humans to interact with mortals, forming bonds of love and loyalty. Their proximity to humans has made them the face of Naga imagery in Thai art and culture, particularly in temple architecture.

Nagas in Thai Culture

Nagas are much more than mythical creatures in Thai culture; they are spiritual guardians and symbols of protection, fertility, and transformation. They are often associated with the Mekong River, believed to dwell in its depths, and are celebrated in festivals like the Naga Fireball phenomenon.

From the shimmering gold of Viroopaksa to the enigmatic beauty of Chappaya Putta, each lineage carries its own lore and significance, painting a vivid tapestry of Thai mythology. These tales remind us of the enduring connection between the natural, human, and divine realms, bridged by the awe-inspiring Nagas.

“Kakee Kam Klon or Poem of Kakee (The Beginning)” stands as a poetic marvel birthed during the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809) in the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Penned by Chao Phraya Phra Klang (Hon), it draws from Buddhist scriptures, transformed into exquisite poetry. Further verses were woven into its tapestry throughout the reigns of Kings Rama IV and V, culminating in its completion.

The narrative unfolds with Kakee, the consort of King Phrommathat of Paranasri, renowned for her peerless beauty and a fragrance surpassing earthly blooms, lingering for seven days and nights upon those who chance touch her.

One fateful encounter with Wentai, the King of the Garuda, amidst a gambling bout with King Phrommathat, he encountered Kakee and fell deeply in love with her. Against her will, Kakee is whisked away and ascends to the status of his queen. Yet, the demigod Natakuvera endeavors to reclaim her for King Phrommathat, leading to a journey where her beauty becomes a curse, resulting in violation.

Returning to Paranasri, Kakee is unjustly exiled by King Phrommathat, accused of infidelity. Her path intertwines with various men, culminating in conflict and warfare, with love remaining an elusive dream, overshadowed by her overwhelming allure.

Wentai

Amidst the tapestry of this narrative, the legendary Garuda, Wentai, emerges as a central figure. Whether depicted as a singular entity or a species inhabiting the Himmapan forest, the essence of Garuda transcends mortal realms. In Thai mythology, Garuda resides in the first of six heavens, within the realm of the red cotton tree, its trunk adorned with thorns and blossoms ranging from crimson to orange, its fallen petals replaced by white fibers reminiscent of cotton.

Hindu lore traces Garuda’s lineage to Kashyapa and Vinata, with Wentai hailed as the mightiest among them, the progenitor of his kind. Despite his exalted status, Wentai succumbs to desire, birthing an epic saga. It is within the scene of “lovemaking in the sky” between Wentai and Kakee that we find the essence of their desires, where scent transcends mere fragrance to convey profound meanings.

In our olfactory interpretation, Aldehyde and Cardamom evoke the ethereal realm of the sky, their crisp notes symbolizing the fluidity of movement. Cumin Seed adds warmth to the passionate embrace, heightened by the spice of Black Pepper. Bulgarian Rose, representing the bold desires of Garuda, intertwines with aged Oud from Prachin Buri, embodying the unyielding fire of desire shared between mighty and maiden.

Kakee

The tragic tale of Kakee beckons reflection: What fragrance could ensnare hearts to such a degree? From this query emerged “Kakee,” a scent encapsulating her tragic allure. Tuberose takes center stage, its heady aroma intertwined with verdant nuances, embodying Kakee’s essence. Jasmine and Mimosa deepen the bouquet, yet it is Castoreum Tincture and Ambrette Seed that infuse the scent with passion and sensuality, completing the olfactory portrait of Kakee’s captivating beauty.

For aficionados of Thai literature, the “Asjan” chapter holds a one of Thai poem of significance.

Known as the “Marvellous Poem,” the “Asjan” Chapter is a rich tapestry of imagery, profound in its depth and thought-provoking in its composition. It employs poetic devices to depict “lovemaking,” likening various events to letters—be they imitating sounds, situations, environments, or natural occurrences. What sets the “Asjan” Chapter apart is its accessibility; readers often grasp the poet’s message intuitively, even without extensive linguistic knowledge, relying instead on their own imagination.

The rendition of “Asjan” utilized for Wentai and Kakee’s fragrances is a newly crafted poem by Mr. Narongsak Sonjai, a distinguished lecturer in the Thai Language Department at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Mahidol University. Specializing in Thai literature and poetry, Mr. Narongsak Sonjai has maintained an esteemed collaboration with our brand, weaving depth and beauty into both of these compositions.

We invite everyone to immerse themselves in this poem and allow their imagination to roam freely.

WENTAI

Wentai, Garuda, embraces Kakee with fervent might,
Soaring over the grand, endless ocean in flight.
Towards the celestial, they gracefully ascend,
Admiring the warmth of love, a bond that won't bend.

Embraces ablaze with passion, a dance so profound,
Inhaling scents, fragrances endlessly abound.
Together, they twirl in the deep of the night,
Their fiery union, like a passionate flame's height.

KAKEE

Kakee, pierced by Cupid's aimed dart,
Heart quivers, ablaze like a flame's art.
Wentai, Garuda, sovereign of celestial might,
Embraces tight, soaring to realms so bright.

Together they transform the forest floor,
Blooms unfold, scents wafting galore.
Their fragrances entwine, inseparable and true,
Ascending to paradise, a journey for two.

Our journey as perfumers has been enriched by the guidance and support of fragrance industry experts, both domestically and internationally. Yet, it is Karnchana Wesshasartar, the third-generation heiress of Nam-Ob Prung Chao Khun, who stands as our foremost mentor.

She bestowed upon us the ancient art of Thai perfume-making, transmitting the revered Nam-Ob Prung Chao Khun formula, a legacy spanning nearly a century. It was through this venerable formula that we birthed our inaugural fragrances, later evolving them into SIAM1928.

Envisioning a fragrance collection as an homage to the third-generation heiress of Nam-Ob Prung Chao Khun, we dedicated ourselves to meticulous craftsmanship, from conceptualization to scent composition and packaging.

For the concept, after extensive exploration, we settled on “Characters from Thai Literature and Legends,” drawing inspiration from iconic personas, narratives, influences, and pivotal scenes.

Similarly, in scent curation, we pursued uniqueness beyond convention. We scoured for rare and premium ingredients, ensuring their harmony with our chosen theme.

As for the bottles, the creation of the black ceramic vessels demanded meticulous craftsmanship. This process surpassed conventional production methods, and we adorned them with a “golden” accent, symbolizing opulence and honoring our matriarch, Karnchana (กาญจนา), whose name signifies “gold” in Thai.

This arduous journey spanned over two years to materialize the collection.

Dubbed “Nilakarnch,” translating to “Black Jewel with a Golden Sheen,” it epitomizes the black vessels embellished with golden motifs, encapsulating Thai cultural narratives into fragrances that are both artistic and intricate, yielding scents that are profound and distinctive.

The “Nilakarnch” collection will comprise both permanent and limited-edition fragrances, owing to the scarcity of certain ingredients.

Moreover, we may extend invitations to fellow Thai perfumers for future collaborative editions.

We are excited to announce the reformulation of four of our beloved fragrances: Chanalaj, Rasvika, Tipakorn, and Assan. This reformulation process has been undertaken to enhance the clarity and depth of these scents, ensuring they truly reflect the inspiration behind their creation.

As part of the reformulation, we have incorporated several high-quality, premium ingredients in greater quantities to elevate the overall sensory experience of these perfumes. However, due to the inclusion of these luxurious components, we must regrettably adjust the prices of these fragrances accordingly.

Chanalaj fragrance, meticulously crafted to showcase the exquisite essence of the lotus flower more vividly than ever before. By increasing the concentration of Lotus Absolute in the composition, we have achieved a cleaner and brighter aquatic aroma that captures the true spirit of the lotus.

Experience the revitalized Chanalaj perfume, where the enhanced clarity and purity of the lotus flower’s scent take center stage, enveloping you in its delicate yet captivating embrace. Discover the elegance and charm of our reimagined Chanalaj fragrance, and let the serene, refreshing essence of the lotus blossom transport you to a world of beauty and tranquility.

Rasvika fragrance, where we have meticulously adjusted various elements within its structure to create a more vivid and enchanting scent. By blending the rich and luxurious Orris Butter with the alluring Tuberose, we have managed to evoke the mesmerizing vision of a twilight sky, illuminated by the unmistakable presence of the Milky Way.

The addition of Oakmoss brings a touch of moisture to the composition, enhancing the realism and beauty of the primary scents. This captivating fusion transports you to a serene and magical realm.

Tipakorn fragrance has been meticulously reformulated to accentuate the bold and distinct structure of Tobacco, resulting in a scent that is both refined and elevated. Expertly blended with Amber, it creates a warm and comforting embrace that envelops the senses.

The addition of Mate Absolute imparts a sense of depth and complexity to the fragrance, while the infusion of Japanese Yuzu Essential Oil enhances its diffusion for a more captivating olfactory experience. Indulge in the luxurious world of Tipakorn, where sophistication and balance meet in perfect harmony.

Experience the revitalized and natural world of Assan Fragrance, a scent that has undergone a reformulation to enhance the distinct notes of Thai Jasmine. This has been achieved by incorporating a higher concentration of Jasmine Absolute in the formula.

The reformulated scent also features a reduced amount of the oceanic note, resulting in a more pronounced and authentic essence of Jasmine. The addition of Neroli lends a refreshing touch to the fragrance, evoking images of crystal-clear water surfaces and invigorating watery.

We appreciate your understanding and assure you that our commitment to providing exceptional perfumes remains unwavering. By investing in these refined formulations, we are confident that you will enjoy an even more captivating and memorable scent experience.

Thank you for your continued support, and we invite you to indulge in the enhanced beauty of our reformulated Chanalaj, Rasvika, Tipakorn, and Assan fragrances.