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haang hong (หางหงส์)
1. Thai for hang hongse.
2. Thai. 'Swan's tail'. An epithet for the hibiscus schizopetalus.
Hadj
Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the 'third pillar' of Islam, which every devout Muslim seeks to make at least once in his lifetime.
hadsadie (หัสดี)
Thai. 'Elephant'. See Asian Elephant. Also hadsadin.
hadsadin (หัสดิน)
Thai. Another name for hadsadie.
hadtie (หัตถี)
Thai. Another word for an elephant, as in yutthahadtie, war elephant. Compare with hadsadie.
haegun (แฮกึ้น)
Chinese-Thai. Name of a Chinese snack made from pure shrimp and similar to hoi jaw hong kong.

haemorrhagic fever
Name of an tropical fever transmitted by the mosquito aedes aegypti which is itself infected by the dengue virus. It is characterized by fever and severe headaches accompanied with a rash and in a progressed condition causes bleeding from openings in the body. Its name is derived from the Greek words haima (blood) and rhegnumi (burst), due to ruptured blood
vessels. In
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hahm samut (ห้ามสมุทร)
See pahng hahm samut.
hahm yaht (ห้ามญาติ)
See pahng hahm yaht.
Haimavati
Sanskrit. 'Born from the Himalayas'. One of the benevolent forms of Devi, Shiva's consort.
half lotus position
Name for the asana or 'seated position' in iconography, in which the right foot rests on the left thighbone and the left foot is placed under the right thigh. Buddha images with a bhumisparsa mudra in Thai style are usually seated in this pose, whilst Buddha images with the same mudra in Burmese style are
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Hampi
An important Hindu centre founded in the 14th century which was for more than two hundred years the seat of the Vijayanagara Empire. Today vast ruins are still found on the right bank of the river Tungbhadra in South India.
hamsa
Sanskrit. A sacred goose, gander or swan, and the mount of the Hindu god Brahma.
Its flight indicates the connection between the aquatic world and the heavens.
Frequently seen in Buddhist iconography.

hang hongse
Thai-Sanskrit. 'Swan's tail'. The antefix on some
Buddhist temples in Thailand generally at the lower end of a bai raka curling upward like an ornamental tail. Most temple rooves show a combination of a chofa and bai raka with a hang hongse (fig.). In Thai haang hong.

Hani
People in Yunnan related to the Akha in Thailand.
Hanuman (หนุมาน)
1. Sanskrit-Thai. Monkey from East India.
2. Sanskrit-Thai. The son of Vayu, the god of wind, in Thai known as Sawaha and Phra Phai.
He is the albino half-god monkey who assisted Rama in his battle against Ravana in the Indian epic Ramayana.
He is depicted with a white complexion and has a diamond
in the middle of his palate. He is the king of the monkeys and a general who has magical powers and whose yawn could produce moons and stars.
His personal weapon is a diamond trident which he uses to
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Hara
Sanskrit. A name for Shiva.
Harappan
Name given to an early civilization that existed in the Indus valley between 2300 and 1750 BC, derived from its most important city Harappa. Other important settlements were Mohenjodaro and Kalibangan. Its most significant surviving artifacts include miniature stone sculptures and numerous terracotta and bronze figurines.
harem
Women's lodgings in a Muslim residence.
Hari
Sanskrit. A name for Vishnu.
Harihara (หริหระ)
Sanskrit-Thai. A Hindu deity that derives its name and characteristics from both Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara), and is a combination of these two gods. Usually depicted with Vishnu's crown on one side of his head and Shiva's plaited hair on the other. He
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Haripunchai (หริภุญไชย)
1. Thai. Name of a Mon city in northern Thailand (now Lamphun), founded in 661 AD by Buddhist devotees. In 1281 it was conquered by king Mengrai and incorporated into the kingdom of Lan Na. MORE ON THIS.
2. Influential art style between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, named after the Mon city Haripunchai in northern Thailand.
Har-Mandir Saheb
See Golden Temple.
hed hoo noo (เห็ดหูหนู)
Thai. 'Mouse ear mushroom'. Name for a white sponge-like mushroom with a structure of ear-shaped frills. In English it is known as Jew's ear, a translation from its scientific name auricular-judae. In Thai also known as hed hoo noo khao, white mouse ear mushroom.

hed lin jeu daeng (เห็ดหลินจือแดง)
Thai-Chinese. 'Red lin jeu
(lin zhi) mushroom'. Name for the reishi mushroom, a high-priced brownish-red
mushroom (fig.) with the scientific name ganoderma lucidum. Dried and cut into slices it is used as a herb in Chinese traditional medicine.
People in the Orient have used it for over 2,000 years to increase longevity and
to boost the immune system, as well as for various other health stimulating
effects. It reportedly also induces a non-narcotic feeling of well-being. It is
traditionally used fresh or dried in teas and soups. The dried mushrooms have a
nice-looking varnish-like appearance and are sometimes used in dried flower and
seedpod arrangements. Its inside has a somewhat woody structure. In China it
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heliconia
Latin. Tropical plant with bracts in bright exotic colours enclosing the relatively small flowers. The bracts can be red, yellow or orange, or scarlet red with a yellow or green rim, or with bright red or bright yellow. The
flowers occur both pendant and growing upward and the plant has long spoon shaped leaves with a length of up to 1.8 meter. The different species include the heliconia rostrata or 'fishtail heliconia' (fig.), the heliconia bihai,
nicknamed 'large lobster claw'
and also known as heliconia humilis or 'firebird', the heliconia caribea, the heliconia collinsiana or 'hanging heliconia', the heliconia psittacorum or 'parrot flower',
the
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Hellfire Pass Memorial
Memorial in Kanchanaburi built by the Australian Government's Department of Veteran's Affairs and dedicated to those Allied prisoners of war (POWs), Australian and other, as well as the Asian labourers who suffered and died in the Asia Pacific region during WW II, especially those working on the construction of the Thailand-Burma railway. The memorial features a museum and 4.5 kms of walking trail. The name is derived from Konyu Cutting, a place where POWs and Asian labourers worked punishing hours well into the night cutting a pass through earth and rock; the flickering bonfire light on the withered workers gave
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hera
Mythological monster often seen at the end of an arch. It has the body of a naga and its teeth meet its nostrils whilst often another creature, flower or flame-like motif emerges from its open mouth.
heroines of Phuket
The sisters Chan and Muk (fig.), officially known as Thep Krasatri and Sri Sunthon, who in 1785 safeguarded Phuket island against a Burmese invasion. Both women were born in Thalang as the daughters of the local governor Thongkham. When he died his post was taken by Phakphuthon, who was married to Chan and with the office of governor became a Phraya. However, in 1785 Phakphuthon suddenly died and before Bangkok could appoint a new governor, king Padung from Burma sent a fleet with an army of 3,000 men commanded by Yiwun to besiege the island. Without a ruler Chan and Muk took command and protected their city. After a battle of more than a month the Burmese troops were unsuccessful in conquering Thalang and when they started running out of supplies they retreated. For their courage both heroines were bestowed with the title of thao by king Rama I. According to
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Hevajra
Sanskrit. A protective god in Tantric Buddhism with the rank of a buddha. He has eight heads, sixteen arms, and two or four legs, and a third eye. In Cambodia and Thailand he is usually depicted in a dancing posture with his left leg crushing a demon and his
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hia (àËÕéÂ)
Thai name for
a
monitor lizard
of the species varanus salvator.
hibiscus
Latin name of a shrub with exquisite flowers of which several species exist, the most commonly seen in Thailand being either the hibiscus rosa-sinensis or Chinese hibiscus and the hibiscus schizopetalus or Japanese hibiscus, which is also known by its epithet Japanese lantern. A rather distinguished variety is the hibiscus sabdariffa or roselle, of which a refreshing drink high in Vitamin C can be made by soaking its seed heads in boiling water. Depending on the variety it has different names in Thai, including cha baa for the rosa-sinensis, phu reua hong or hang hong for the schizopetalus and krajiab daeng for the sabdariffa. Malaysian Borneo has
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Hijrah
Arabic. 'Migration'. The flight of the prophet Muhammad and the first Muslim community from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, the year from which the Muslim calendar is dated.
Himalayas
The mountain range of the Himalayas. They are often mentioned in
Buddhist stories as well as in the Ramayana and other texts.
Himaphan (หิมพาน)
Thai. A mythical forest located in the Himalayas, below the heavens of the gods. It is often mentioned in
Buddhist literature and inhabited by both real and mythical animals. Also called Himavat (Himawat), Himavan (Himawan), Himavah (Himawah), Himavaat (Himawaat), and Himavaan (Himawaan).
himaphan (หิมพานต์)
Shortened Thai name for cashew nuts and their tree of the genus anacardium occidentale, which in full is called ma muang himaphan.
Himavah (หิมวา)
See Himaphan.
Himavaan (หิมวาน)
See Himaphan.
Himavan (หิมวัน, หิมวันต์)
See Himaphan.
Himavat (หิมวาต)
See Himaphan.
Hinayana
Sanskrit. 'Lesser vehicle'. A term used for Theravada Buddhism after the origin of Mahayana Buddhism, the 'greater vehicle'. The Hinayana school of Buddhism is closest to the original teachings of the Buddha. At some point were several different sects of Hinayana Buddhism but today only the Theravada school remains. It is practiced in Sri
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Hindu
1. Follower of
Hinduism.
2. Adjective meaning 'of Hindus' or 'of Hinduism'.
Hinduism
The main religion and social system in India. Followers, called Hindus, share a common belief in the law of karma, the transmigration of the soul, and the universal spirit or brahman. Its religious practices include the veneration of several deities
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hintha
A mythical bird in Burma.
Hmong (ม้ง)
Hill tribe people (fig.) in North Thailand (fig.) who are originally from Tibet or Mongolia and belong to the Sino-Tibetan language group of the Miao-Yao-Pateng family which has several dialects. They established in Thailand more than a century ago and are now around 90,000 mainly divided in Blue Hmong in the West and White Hmong in the East
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Hmong Doew
Miao. 'Green Hmong'. A subgroup of the Hmong, in the West known as 'Blue Hmong'. MORE ON THIS.
Hmong Njua
Miao. 'White Hmong'. A subgroup of the Hmong. MORE ON THIS.
Hoa-lai
Art style from Champa in Vietnam, during the first half of the 9th century.
hoi jaw hong kong (หอยจ้อฮ่องกง)
Chinese-Thai. Name of a Chinese snack made from a mixture of crab meat and shrimp. Similar to haegun.

hoi muk (หอยมุก)
Thai name for mother-of-pearl. See also kreuang muk.
ho klong (หอกลอง)
Thai. The drum tower in a wat. Sometimes in combination with a ho rakhang (fig.).
The drum is used to call the monks together for prayer and -at eleven o'clock in the
morning- to indicate the beginning of the last hour in which they may have their
last meal
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Hok Lok Siw (ฮก ลก ซิ่ว)
Thai-Chinese. Three Chinese gods who in art are usually depicted as a trio with long beards. They are generally known as Hok, Lok and Siw, Chinese names that represent respectively, health, fortune and
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Holi
Sanskrit. Festival associated with the Hindu god Krishna.
hom pah (ห่มผ้า)
Thai. To cover the shoulder or body with a piece of cloth; the application of a saffron cloth to Buddha images.

hong (หงส์)
Thai name for hongse.
Hongsawadih (หงสาวดี)
Thai name for Pegu, capital of the Mon before annexation by Burma.
hongse
Sanskrit. 'Swan'. In Thailand a mythical swan often depicted in art and architecture. See also hang hongse and hamsa. In Thai hong.

hoo chalaam (หูฉลาม)
Thai term for shark fin. Although illegal in many countries it is considered a delicacy by some Chinese and can be found in a number of restaurants in Chinatown where it is made into shark fin soup, for one. Due to its uniqueness shark fins are sold rather expensive, with prices ranging
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Horadih (หรดี)
1. Thai. 'Southwest' or 'southwestern'. The wind direction guarded by the lokapala Nairitti. See also Udon, Isaan, Burapah, Ahkney, Taksin, Prajim and Phayap.
2. Thai name for the southwestern wind. Also known as phat taya.
ho rakhang (หอระฆัง)
Thai. The belfry in a wat.
The bell is rang to call the monks and novices to the
ubosot. Sometimes the belfry in a
temple is combined with the ho klong,
the drumtower (fig.).
The drum however is beaten for other reasons, that is, either to call upon the
laity to come and make merit (tamboon)
in the temple on Buddhist holy days (Wan Phra),
or in honor of the
Buddha. But if
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hornbill
Large bird with the scientific Latin name rhyticeros plicatus. Of these birds thirteen different species live in the woods of Thailand, of which seven are listed as endangered species. They get their name from the horn or 'helmet' on top of their beak. During the breeding season the female will stay in a nesting hole high up in a tree. The opening of the hole is largely closed with a mixture consisting of mud, food remains and droppings, with just a small opening kept to collect the food carried up by the male bird. The best place to see these birds is Khao Yai National Park. The bird can have a length of up to 130 cms and is sometimes called large hornbill, and by some 'Buddha bird', since its morning call will wake up the monks and gathers them for morning prayer. Its call, sounds like a repeated 'gok, gok, gok' followed by
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horseshoe crab
Name of a
prehistoric crustacean with a stiff pointed tail and a carapace in
the form of a horseshoe, hence its name. It belongs to the family of merostomata
and is related to the scorpion. Horseshoe crabs feed
mostly at night and burrow for worms and mollusks. They will, however, feed at
any time and can go a year without eating. They swim
upside down and can endure extreme temperatures and salinity. An
horseshoe crab has ten eyes and can see UV light.
Some extracts of its blue, copper-based blood as well as from certain properties
of its
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hot spring
See nahm phu ron.
ho trai (หอไตร)
Thai. The library building in a wat containing the scripture cabinets that hold palm leaf
Buddhist manuscripts. Generally built on poles in a pond or water basin
(fig.) to prevent crawling insects
and
termites reaching the scriptures and damaging them.

House of Museums
Museum established by the Cultural Affairs Association to show how simple life was in days of yore. Although the edifice is not in the older style stepping inside takes you back into the past. The objects on display vary from old utensils and paraphernalia to sepia photographs and maps of Thailand from way back.
howdah
The seat or saddle on an elephant's back, usually made from wood and sometimes covered with a hood. The howdah of a wealthy person is often made from precious materials, such as ivory.

hti
Burmese. An
ornamental part in the form of a lacy umbrella crowning the spire of a Buddhist stupa in Burma. See also chattra.
huad (หวด)
Thai. A basket used for steaming glutinous rice.
Hua Hin (หัวหิน)
Thai. 'Head of stone' or 'rock head'. Beach resort town in Prachuap Khirikhan province, 220 km from Bangkok. The town has a long white sandy beach lined with a range of accommodations, from bungalows to 5-star hotels and resorts. The beach with its tranquil atmosphere runs from a rocky headland (hua hin) which separates it from a tiny fishing pier and gently curves for some 3-4 km to the south where it ends at the foot of Khao Takhiap, a hill with a large standing Buddha statue. From the hilltop a birds eye view of Hua Hin can be enjoyed, a delightful view, both at night and during the day. Its places of interest include its railway station, one of the nations oldest train stations with an unique architecture. Its most striking feature is the royal waiting room constructed in the Thai architectural style. The room was relocated from Sanam Chan Palace in Nakhon Pathom province during the reign of king Rama VI. Another feature in Hua Hin is the Klai Kangwon Palace, the permanent summer palace of king Rama IX and which name in translation means 'far from worries'. The palace consist of three Spanish style mansions facing the sea. It is constructed to the north of town under royal command of king Rama VII. Today it is the
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huo long guo (火龙果)
Chinese name
for the dragon fruit which in Thai is known as
kaew mangkon.
huan (ฮวน)
Thai-Chinese. A foreign person, from the viewpoint of a Chinese. Also
huan nang.
Huan Xi Fo (歡喜佛)
Chinese.
'Happy Buddha'. Popular name of a Buddhist figure who is known by the Chinese
name
Budai. He is the interpretation of the
bodhisattva
Maitreya, the future
buddha
predicted to succeed the
Sakyamuni
Buddha. He is the god of
happiness and wealth. His image is based on an unconventional Chinese
monk
who lived in the time of the Liang Dynasty and is usually depicted as a
deity of satisfaction and abundance, often holding a cloth bag full with
precious items or gold. He has integrated into
Buddhist,
Taoist
and Shinto culture, and is commonly represented as an obese smiling or laughing
figure, hence his nickname. It is believed that
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huan nang (ฮวนนั้ง)
See huan.
Hue
Vietnam's political capital from 1802 to 1945 AD. One of the cultural, religious and learning centers of Vietnam.
hun krabok (หุ่นกระบอก)
Thai. A puppet theatre in which the puppets are manipulated from below, rather than with a string from above. See also krabok.

hun lakon lek (หุ่นละครเล็ก)
Thai. A kind
of puppet theater usually
performing scenes from the Ramakien.

hymenocallis caribaea
Latin name for spider lily.
hypostyle hall
An architectural term used to define a columned hall. It is often the outermost and most impressive part of a temple complex. Hypostyle literally means 'formed by (the basis of) columns'. |