The Emerald Buddha (Thai: Phra Kaeo Morakot) is the palladium of the Kingdom of Thailand. This is a figurine of the sitting Buddha with the right leg resting on the left one in the position of meditation. The Buddha was meticulously carved from a single block of green jadeite (rather than emerald), clothed in gold, and about 48.3 cm tall and the lap wide. Within the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok enshrines the Emerald Buddha. However, there is no clear evidence to prove from where the image originated or who sculpted it but it first appeared on record in 15th century in Chiang Rai. Judging from its style, it seems to be from the Chiang Saen Period.
The Emerald Buddha
Three different sets of gold robing for the Emerald Buddha are adorned to be observed. King Rama I had two royal robes made for, one to be worn in summer and one for the rainy season. Later King Rama III added another one for winter. The three robes are still solemnly changed at the beginning of each season by His Majesty the King or a liaison in a ceremony at the changing of the seasons – in the 1st Waning of Lunar Months 4, 8 and 12 (around March, July and November). The three sets of gold garments correspond to Thailand's summer season, rainy season, and cool season. The two sets of gold robing, not in use at any given time are kept on display in the nearby Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Thai Coins on the grounds of the Grand Palace, where the public may view them.
The Emerald Buddha
The history evidence had proved the age of the Emerald Buddha exceeds 550 years. The first appearance of the Emerald Buddha was found in Chiang Rai (under the rule of King of Chiang Mai) by 1434 AD. The Buddha was moved to Lampang and enshrined there for about 32 years prior to moving to Laos by King Chaichettha of Chiang Mai who promised to return the Buddha back to Thailand. Unluckily when King Chaichetta was defeated to the new King, the Emerald Buddha was transferred to Vientiane. Until 1778 during Thonburi Dynasty of Thailand, King Rama I (General Chakri at that time) succeeded the war with Vientiane; the Emerald Buddha had been back to Thonburi, Thailand. With the establishment of Bangkok as the capital, beginning the Rattanakosin period and the Chakri Dynasty, the Emerald Buddha was moved on the 22nd March 1784 to enshrine at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Buddha became the palladium of Thailand and has been here ever since.
