Concepts and Aesthetic Techniques in the Royal Barge Procession Chant Composed in Honor of the Coronation Ceremony and the Royal River Procession, B.E. 2562 (2019)

Abstract

This study aims to (1) examine the key concepts presented in the Royal Barge Procession Eulogy composed in honor of the 2019 Royal Coronation Ceremony of His Majesty King Rama X, and (2) analyze the literary techniques employed to create aesthetic effects in the text. This qualitative study uses content analysis of the eulogy written by Rear Admiral Thongyoi Saengsinchai, as published in the Royal Gazette, Volume 137, Part 3 Kor, dated January 16, 2020. The research methodology includes close reading to reveal the presentation of conceptual ideas and the poet's literary craftsmanship, along with inductive descriptive analysis to present the findings.

          The results show that the poet conveys three central conceptual themes. First, the idea concerning the monarchy: the poet praises the King for his majestic appearance, virtuous conduct, profound compassion, and his role in governing the country with peace and stability, serving as the nation’s guiding force. Second, the idea concerning the royal barge procession: the poet admires the beauty of the ceremonial barges, emphasizing the craftsmanship of the shipbuilders, whose skills deserve preservation and dissemination.Third, the idea concerning the state of the nation: the poet extols the peaceful and prosperous condition of the country under the King's reign, portraying the people as united and virtuous, and calls upon all citizens to cherish and safeguard the nation. In terms of aesthetic construction, the poet skillfully employs various literary techniques. These include the use of rich and selective diction, synonym variation for emphasis, and sound devices such as alliteration and internal rhyme to enhance euphony. Figurative language, particularly similes, metaphors, and personification, is also employed to underscore the theme of royal glorification.