Din-Sor-Pong (Natural Talc) - Khi-Phung See-Park (Lip Balm, Made Of Bee Wax)
Din-sor-pong (Natural talc)
Din-sor-pong is one of natural soil substances, which could be found abundant in Lopburi province. Locals will dig this white soil up and clean it , before refining it. The fine powder will be diluted with pure water to make a thick mixture. The n the mixture will be dropped into various sizes. The Din-sor-pong makers may colour or add fragrance into this mixture.
In the past, people called din-sor-pong as “Pang-Yen” which means cooling talc. It was used in special occasions, by melting with Chan Oil or Nam-Ob Thai, such as ceremony in paying gratitude to teachers, blessing a wedding couple, or blessing a new home, even a new car.
Din-sor- pong also provides a comfortable touch. Thai people, old or young, like to melt it with water and apply it in their bodies to reduce rashes. When there is a new-born baby, the Din-sor-Pong will be burnt and ground to apply around navel’s cut. While the new mother will apply a different mixture, made by Din-sor-pong and Kamin powder.
Moreover, Din-sor-ping can also be used as analgesic. The swollen part will be gently rubbed before applying a thick mixture of Din-sor-pong and lime juice on it. The inflamed part will be cured rapidly as the purple skin will return to normal the following day.
In the past, Din-sor-pong was used as a popular cosmetic because it was believed to possess a quality to soften the skin, curing acne and freckles. Consistently usage of fine din-sor-pong is claimed to be suitable for face powdering than other kinds of talc. To reduce acne, Din-sor-juice. The mixture would be pasted on the face for a while, then rinse out. This traditional face masking is believed to reduce oil, but excessive application would turn the face dry.
Khi-phung See-park (lip balm, made of bee wax)
Thai ladies in the central area applied fragrant bee wax for beauty and care.
Perfumeries
In the past, Thai people used perfumeries in many religious ceremonies such as house warming, wedding, blessing for the elderly persons, and in daily household. Those who had a habit of chewing betel nuts would put some fragrant balm on their lips to moisture them. Many would use skin cosmetics such as Nam-ob Thai, Pang Rum, Pang, Puang. Others would use perfumeries like the fragrant candle to add sweet odor to food and clothes. The use of perfumeries in Thai culture could be traced back to the Sukhothai period. The Thai might have learnt the art of perfumeries from the Chinese and Indian, the most familiar neighbours in the kingdom.
The most ancient literature containing a story of perfumeries in Thailand was found in a piece of inscribed stone At Bang Sanook Temple, B.E.1882, during the Sukhothai period. A part of the inscription said “Noblemen and ordinary people printed 11,108 Buddha’s images with papers and soil. One Phra That , two…., two ivory Buddha’s images, Silver and Gold Khan Mak, circled with colourful flags and musical instruments and drums. People were holding a bowl of Khao Tok (grilled rice),flowers, torches, candles, Chan incenses, fragrant oils, and paying tribute to the Buddha, His Sayings and Buddhist monks. “This is an evidence of how the Thais used perfumeries in their religious ceremonies. This ritual was spreading to the next kingdom of the Thai people, Ayutthaya.
