Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella

[2] The umbrella's shades are made of white silk trimmed with gold, attached to a gilded golden stem.

The umbrellas themselves are considered sacred objects and receive offerings from the king on the anniversary of his coronation day.

[3] Derived from ancient Hindu beliefs, the umbrella symbolises the spiritual and physical protection the king can give to his subjects.

Gold and silver flowers will then be offered to the spirits protecting the throne, followed by the tying of a strip of red cloth around the umbrella's stem and ending the service by the sprinkling of lustral water on the royal regalia.

For King Bhumibol Adulyadej the celebration usually involves a general audience, where he would appear in state seated on the throne under the nine-tiered umbrella to receive well wishes.