Introduction to the City of Angels: Why is Bangkok Referred to So?
Have you ever lain awake at night, pondering why the bustling Thai city of Bangkok shares its moniker with celestial beings? The City of Angels, as it’s often known, has earned its sobriquet from far more terrestrial origins than you may imagine. Let’s delve into the history and rich culture that has lent Bangkok this divine epithet.
The garments of grandeur, the City of Angels alias, are sewn not from heavenly threads, but instead from the intricately woven fabric of Thai history. You guessed it right; Bangkok’s commonly used designation is a translation from the city’s ceremonial name in Thai – not related to celestial choirs, but to kingdoms past and the pomp of royalty.
To unravel the mystery, let’s soar on the wings of the spirits, from the nooks and corners of Bangkok’s bustling streets and snaking waterways, to its temples, shanties, and extravagant palaces.
The Epic Saga of a City’s Name: Akin to a Legendary Tale
Bangkok started as a small trading post during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century, named ”Bang Makok.” This humble harbor’s subsequent journey to become the capital of Thailand is a tale as fiery as dragon’s breath and as lavish as a celestial banquet.
The Birth of the Angelic Alias
The story of how Bangkok became the City of Angels commences with a royal proclamation. In 1782, King Rama I moved the capital of Siam to this side of the Chao Phraya River and anointed it with the ceremonial name “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon,” which means the ‘City of Angels’.
The Allure and Appeal of the Angelic Designation
Infinite in its charm, the City of Angels, or Krung Thep as it’s fondly known among locals, resonates with shimmering temples, vibrant markets, and the harmonious hum of life along its bustling canals. The ‘Angels’ in the city’s name, far from suggesting a heavenly vision, reflect the lofty status of the city within the erstwhile Kingdom of Siam and the grandeur of its architecture.
A Cultural Context to the City of Angels
Moreover, the ‘City of Angels’ does indeed have divine dwellings – places of worship like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, which stand in the city like mythical creatures, whispering tales of a glorious past. Hence, the moniker isn’t merely an exaggeration, it’s a metaphor connecting historical religion, royalty, and the people.
Unraveling the Full Name: A Linguistic Adventure
Did you know that the city of Bangkok holds a Guinness World Record for the longest place name in the world? The complete ceremonial name of the city bestowed by King Rama I is a whopping 168 letters long!
A Roller Coaster Ride with Words
Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamban! Now that’s an exhilarating ride for the tongues unaccustomed to the Thai language. It describes the city’s deep spiritual connection, a land blessed by deities and full of magnificent palaces and temples.
Conclusion: The Angel City’s Unending Melody
Bangkok, the City of Angels, is far more than just another bustling metropolis. It’s a city that sings – the melody of temple bells, the chorus of its markets, soul-stirring food, stunning architecture, and its people. Above all, the “City of Angels” nickname is a poetic homage to an endearing place where culture, history, faith, and perhaps a dash of divinity converse beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Bangkok sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the East”?
Bangkok is often called the “Venice of the East” due to its extensive network of canals, reminiscent of the waterways of Venice, Italy.
2. Is ‘Bangkok’ the city’s original name?
No, originally, the city was known as ‘Bang Makok,’ which means “place of olive plums”.
3. What does the full ceremonial name of Bangkok mean in English?
The full ceremonial name of Bangkok gives a description of the city as a great city of angels, the supreme repository of divine jewels, the great land unconquerable, the grand and prominent realm, the royal and delightful capital city full of nine noble gems, the highest royal dwelling and grand palace, the divine shelter and living place of reincarnated spirits.
4. When did Bangkok become the capital of Thailand?
In 1782, King Rama I moved the capital of Siam to what is now known as Bangkok.
5. Do people in Thailand refer to their city as ‘Bangkok’?
Locally, people refer to the city as ‘Krung Thep’, which translates to the ‘City of Angels’.
