Central Chiangrai unveils fabric Christmas tree

Thailand’s first and only Christmas tree made from 2,000m of natural fabric is standing 14m tall at Kasalong Square in Central Chiangrai, until Jan 6 next year.

Called “Mok Panwa Christmas Tree”, the unique creation was handcrafted by villagers and ethnic tribes on Doi Tung to present local identity.

It is named after the 1,000 wah (2,000m) of hand-woven fabric that villagers and indigenous people in Doi Tung produced as they gave up their free time to weave the cloth.

The term mok (meaning mist) stems from the beautiful phenomenon of mist that occurs every year at the onset of the Christmas season in Chiang Rai province.

The name reflects the origin of this specially-designed Christmas tree which used materials that are easy to source locally to share the message of simple lifestyles and connection with nature.

The materials used include bamboo, pine, woven butterflies, dyed silk, cotton, mulberry paper and vetiver. Vibrant colours are used to reflect Chiang Rai’s culture of ethnic costumes of the Akha, Lahu, Thai Yai, Tai Lue, Lua and Yunnan Chinese. These are presented and coordinated within each layer to represent the diversity that coexists harmoniously.

This unique Christmas tree is the highlight of the “Colorful Doi Tung” festival held in collaboration with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under the Royal Patronage, which brings trees and flowers from the top of the Doi Tung mountain to create a vibrant atmosphere to welcome the Thai winter at the shopping mall.

Prepare to enjoy many plant species of the North during the “Chiang Rai Dancing Flowers 2021” fair, which will be held under the concept of “The Harmony & Melody: Music, Flowers and Culture” at the same venue from Christmas Day until Jan 2.

Community products from local ethnic groups will be available, art and craft workshop activities will be arranged, and local food direct from the mountain will be served. Also, expect to enjoy performances from ethnic groups of Doi Tung as well as traditional folk games.

Call 052-020-999.