The modern world has enabled cultures to become more interconnected, resulting in shifts in traditional practices due to cross-cultural influences. While still deeply ingrained in many societies, some trends have evolved to better match our increasingly urban lifestyles and our preferences.
Even the seemingly mundane habit of sleeping on the floor using mats has deep historical, cultural, and historical roots. Due to western influences, unique floor sleeping traditions in the region have changed over time, resulting in western-style beds replacing the traditional mats spread on the floor.
“While spreading a mat on the floor to sleep is still prevalent in some parts of the region, there has obviously been a shift to the modern mattress, resulting in the decline in the practice of these unique Southeast Asian traditions,” Professor Santiago told Thai PBS World.
The use of mats for sleeping has been long embedded in various cultures and traditions in the region. In many ancient Southeast Asian communities, houses were built on stilts and thus stood above the ground so elevated beds were not necessary.
“There were also nomadic tribes in the region that frequently migrated so carrying beds was impractical,” Santiago said.
“Southeast Asia is also heavily influenced by spiritual beliefs and philosophies that often emphasize harmony with nature.
Sleeping closer to the ground establishes a connection with nature, being anchored to the Earth’s energies, and fostering feelings of stability and balance,” he added.
Ancient craft
One of the most ancient manual industries, mat-weaving has been carried out in the region since ancient times. The rich vegetation supporting this type of industry helped mat-weaving to thrive in local communities.
Mat-weaving used to be a popular craft in Vietnam, which has been producing beautiful hand-woven mats for centuries. The Vietnamese sleeping mats can still be found in markets throughout the country, albeit not as widespread as before.
“Many households still have these mats in their homes. Many people continue to sleep on these mats during summer when the weather is warm. But the number has noticeably declined,” said Puy, a market vendor in Hanoi.
Sleeping mats used to be very popular in the Philippines too. Locally called “banig,” traditional mats in the Philippines are made from hand-woven palm or reed leaves. “The natural materials used are dyed so that the traditional mats often have a variety of colors,” explained Nila, a mat vendor.
Exquisite traditional mats are produced both in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia, The supple quality of these hand-woven mats and their intricate beauty have won admirers from far and wide.
Finest quality
Chanthaboon mats of Thailand are considered the best hand-woven mats in the country. The name “Chanthaboon” is a shortened term for Chanthaburi Province in Eastern Thailand, where these best hand-woven traditional mats are produced.
“Chanthaboon mats are probably the best because of their intricate patterns, designs, and colors,” said one local resident. “The exquisite quality of the Chanthaboon mats is the pride of the local mat-weavers of the province who are skillful and meticulous in separating the strands of the natural materials into very fine threads,” she continued.
Mat-weavers in Chanthaburi harvest sedges and cut them into small and thin strips, remove the middle part, and leave them out in the sun to dry for three to five days.
“Once dried and ready for weaving, the sedge materials will have a smooth and silky texture. Different colored strands are used to form different patterns. The mats with more elaborate designs take more time to make,” she explained.
After the weaving process, the mats are further trimmed around the edges for a fine finishing touch.
Colorful history
As colorful as its patterns is the history of the Chanthaboon traditional mat-weaving industry in Thailand.
“A group of Vietnamese Catholic nuns who immigrated to Thailand many years ago introduced the art of mat-weaving, at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Chanthaburi Province. The hand-woven mats made by the nuns were called “suea chee” or “nun mats”.
People in the local community supplied the locally-grown sedge plants to the nuns, who would weave them into mats. Eventually, the nuns taught the locals how to weave the mats,” said Koy, a university student.
According to historical accounts, in 1949, Queen Rambai Barni, the consort of the late King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), returned to Thailand after years of living in the United Kingdom.
During a visit to one of her residences, the Baan Suan Kaew Palace in Chanthaburi Province, the Queen was smitten by the beauty and quality of the locally made mats.
She then made it her mission to improve and support the local industry and eventually built a mat-weaving factory in the locality.
The Queen’s efforts helped drive the popularity of the Chanthaboon mats, while also improving the local sedge farming communities in the province.
Dying trade?
Sadly, today many people fear that the tradition of hand-woven mats is dying. In Cambodia where the art has also become quite famous, the industry is threatened by the shortage of young people who are willing to continue the tradition
Moreover, the decreasing number of mangrove palms used in making the mats is another cause of concern. The threat is also felt in Thailand, despite efforts to keep the art alive.
(This story is part of a series about the vanishing cultural traditions in Southeast Asia.)
