The story of this royal couple of Bhutan...
The incredible textiles that were woven for the wedding kira and the weavers who vied for the honor. The textiles that decorated the village and its people.
The crowns of thread worn by the king...
And now, the queen...
The fact that no foreign diginitaries were invited...the king wanted to keep it simple and traditional. Just a king, his bride, the buddhist monks, and his people.
The fact that thousands of Bhutanese citizens walked for hours in the cold to attend...to celebrate love and the marriage of their accessible king...the king whose father was the only monarch to voluntarily abdicate his throne to democracy (unsolicited).
And this is my favorite picture I found on the Queen's facebook page (go figure). It's the day before the wedding and the couple was on their way to receive an official blessing.
I think they found it in the offerings of the people.
Bhutan, one of the most remote and insular places on earth, was the inventor of the Gross National Happiness Index (GNH). I find many of the news reporters today are almost laughing when they mention that fact in their royal wedding coverage. As if it's silly to even imagine such a thing.
But here are the Four Pillars of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan:
- Sustainable development
- Environmental protection
- Cultural preservation
- Good governance
Now that's inspiring.
I hope big happiness comes to this small nation so the rest of us can learn from them.
My trip to NYC with Shirlee could be titled "Treasure Trove Unearthed".
I'll tell you about that tomorrow *wink*
Happy day everyone!
18 comments:
Journalists puzzle me - how can genuine aspiration for the betterment of a country's citizens provoke laughter? It should provoke emulation instead.
I loved this but his boots are to die for...They are absolutely gorgeous.... looking forward to your treasures... Ger
I can't see why they should be laughing....they should be crying, that we don't have those same aspirations.
Now the needlework. Can you imagine being one of those choosen stitchers and the pride they felt seeing their creations being worn? What beautiful things they created and I agree with Gerry, those boots...love 'em.
Deb
What a beautiful tribute to Bhutan and its people. We have a lot to learn from them, don’t we? Thanks for a wonderful post. And the delicious eye candy. I am REALLY curious as to where you went in NYC!!! Hugs, Cathy
Stunning, the bride and groom and those yummy boots... now, dish on your trip, chickie!! :)
nice to see a nation that embraces color too!
am waiting, not as patiently as i should, for the pix of nyc!
I respect him very much and I wish them and the Bhutanese people much happiness.
Those textiles are so sumptuous.
And she is one of the most gorgeous women I've ever seen!!
The link with the text "the weavers who vied for the honor" is not working but I really want to see the video!
This post was so touching, so happy, so beautiful… it made me cry from the joy. Thank you!
PS - ok, I'd be lying if I didn't also comment on the fact that I was absolutely drooling over those hats and boots.
What a beautiful Queen - I was amazed by the textiles and their love of color all jumbled together!! the last picture and their formula for happiness is the best message however!!! I am with Gerry- can't wait to see the treasures!!
I really love the embroidery on the King's outfit and on his bride's scarf. Also the weaving in her kira is amazing!!
Perhaps the world would be a better place if every country took on the following the four pillars of the Gross National Happiness Index.
I can't wait to hear about your day in NYC. All those comments yesterday about places to visit made me want to visit NYC too!
Aren't they orgeous?!
I always wonder why people gave up their local cloth to dress like occidentals. A 3 pieces suit is not always adapted to the local climate, and it sure does not have the beauty...
They should be applauded instead of laughed at....I am in love with those boots and would love to have a pair....So much inspiration here....thanks again....can't wait to see what you got up to in the big city!
Très beau reportage sur ce petit royaume. Merci. Bisous et très bon week-end
Three Cheers for Bhutan. Who wouldn't want to live in a place that promotes happiness as a lifestyle. I would love to live in country where people come together to build homes for each other.
What an inspirational post, the beauty of the garments and the beauty of these people, thank you for sharing !
Their outfits are so beautiful. And what noble goals for the nation.
That was wonderful. Thank you!
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