Friday, August 17, 2012

Apsara

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Festival of Lanterns 22

Apsara are roughly the Buddhist equivalent of angels, although they are always female. (Which makes me stop and wonder: how can actual Christian-type angels have gender if they don't have bodies? I mean, if you don't have the correct mix of X and Y chromosomes - or if you don't have chromosomes at all - you can't be male or female. It's part of the definition.)

Anyway, Mrs. C and I were introduced to apsara in Thailand, where they figure prominently in religious decoration. We also got an eyeful of them at the absolutely hippest bar and restaurant we've ever been to, the Bed Supper Club in Bangkok. The cocktail waitresses pose as apsara, wearing diaphanous turquoise chiffon gowns. Order a glass of champagne and get an escort to heaven.

But back to business: the festival brochure said that this series of gates, trail markers or what you will represent apsara. They look spectacular at night but the bottom picture gives a better idea of the size and depth.

Festival of Lanterns 23

5 comments:

cieldequimper said...

I actually like the daylight photo. I'm glad I now kow what Apsara are.


Re. August in some European countries: it beats me... There are still a few places open though but one mainly relies on the supermarkets (which I personally hate...)

hannah said...

MR. CROWE WHAT HAVE CLOSED SHOPS IN VERSAILLES TO DO WITH WHAT YOU CALL A SCALED DOWN RAMADAN, WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND . THANKS.

Birdman said...

Gender of angels? Funny. With those flowing robes and all, you can't just check inside their genes(jeans) and figure it out! hahahaha

Unknown said...

What a fantastic decoration on that path. The top shot is just stunning!

P.S. You were really close, Bob, azulejo is the Portuguese word for tile. :-)

William Kendall said...

Outstanding pics, Bob. The colours are amazing.