[Broker15015]

The roof peak points to sky like crane's neck are the symbolic of the temple just like the cross on top of the church. It is called CHOE-FAE

The front one on the peak is the largest and most beautiful one and the last one to be attached to the peak when the new temple is finished with ceremonial and blessed by the monks.

[jdynwa]

Have you tried using these worksheets for the book?

http://www.geocities.com/frankie_meehan/RiceFront.htm

[vladekad]

Have you guys noticed the original post is from over 2 years ago ? I doubt the OP is going to be around to thank you for your answers unfortunately.

I didn't ressurect for his benefit, I am sure he is long gone by now.

[Gastonleruanich]

Is there a symbol behind dragonflies?

[ChrisGoldstein]

OK, I checked with the ABBOT of our WAT today and he said that the things that stick up like a crane's neck with a bell attached actually have no Buddhist significance, just Thai style building

[Qeiafib]

I am a 10th grade English teacher in Sanford, North Carolina, USA. Since I am currently teaching Rice Without Rain, I have been researching Thailand on the internet and realize that the Thai culture is amazingly rich and interesting. I have stumbled across many scraps of information that explain particular references in the book, but I am curious about several matters for which I cannot find explanations. If you could explain any of these, I would appreciate it and (of course) inform my students. I would love to know the symbolism or meaning associated with dragonflies and with the upward-pointing curls on top of structures. Also, what is the meaning or reason for the spires on top of temples, hats, figurines, etc. (the spires begin from a wide round base and end in a point directed toward the sky). Not sure what you mean by dragonflies, that seems to have confused some other people as well! What exactly do you mean?

The points on buildings that I believe you are refering to are to keep the building from becoming a "resting place" for spirits. Thats what I have always been told. Sort of like some buildings near beaches that use pointed bars on rooftops to keep birds from collecting and making a mess.

[ChrisGoldstein]

My Thai wife who also is an english teacher said there is nothing about them only that some people eat em.

I do remember something about the 7 tiered umbrella and the upward pointing curls are supposed to be birds heads with a bell in its mouth, but I don't remember why, and the upwards spires I think you mean represent fire which burns away ignorance as far as I know, or maybe you mean the STUPA.

Anyway here is a site that you might find useful.

http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/symbols
Sorry thats the best I can do, ya see I suffer from CRS in my old age.

[ChrisGoldstein]

OH well, what the Heil, I wasn't doin nothin anyway

[Fertionbratte]

Have you guys noticed the original post is from over 2 years ago ? I doubt the OP is going to be around to thank you for your answers unfortunately.

[TainuibeFaimb]

Dragonflies...yum, yum