Pratoomratha: A Biography
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary purpose of the procession led by Sii Sward?

  • To impress the Queen of Rain for abundant life. (correct)
  • To celebrate the arrival of summer.
  • To gather the community for prayer.
  • To display the talents of the dancers.

    • How did Sii Sward react to the events of the procession?

  • She was indifferent to the celebrations.
  • She interacted happily with the crowd.
  • She danced joyfully with the crowd.
  • She cried and sought to escape from the cage. (correct)

    • What symbolized the crowd's desperation for rain during the procession?

  • The offerings of cakes and rice wine.
  • The firing of big firecrackers.
  • The use of sweet-smelling perfumes.
  • The chanting of the Nang Maaw. (correct)

    • What was the overall atmosphere during the procession described in the passage?

    <p>Chaotic and filled with noise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the traders pour onto Sii Sward, further intensifying her distress?

    <p>Water and sweet-smelling perfume.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Sii Sward’s father suggest when the situation grew concerning?

    <p>That everything would be all right.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the participants in the procession behave after pouring perfume and water onto Sii Sward?

    <p>They fell silent and started chanting softly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the men do with the cage after reaching the Vihara?

    <p>They placed it in front of the temple for prayers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event led to Sii Sward being elected the Rain Queen?

    <p>The drought in 1925</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where was Pratoomratha Zeng born?

    <p>Ubol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which deity is associated with the rain in Brahmanism?

    <p>Varuna</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the main activities villagers engaged in during the drought?

    <p>Praying for rain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the state of the public well during the drought in 1925?

    <p>Reduced to mud</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role was Sii Sward, the cat, chosen for in the ceremony?

    <p>The Rain Queen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the narrator initially feel about Sii Sward being involved in the rain ceremony?

    <p>Angry and protested against the idea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of pet was Sii Sward?

    <p>A Siamese cat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the Nang Maaw ceremony?

    <p>To invoke rain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the father's approach towards the narrator's concerns about Sii Sward?

    <p>He persuaded the narrator by explaining the honor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What attire did the women of the village wear during the ceremony?

    <p>Bright blue skirts and white blouses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the condition of the river during the drought?

    <p>At its lowest ebb</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the narrator have to do during the ceremony?

    <p>Carry Sii Sward to the temple ground</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did the narrator compare the situation with the Chinese ritual of Trut-Chine?

    <p>To show his fear of losing Sii Sward</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the Nang Maaw ceremony?

    <p>To ask for rain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the villagers prepare for the Nang Maaw ceremony?

    <p>By creating a decorative bamboo cage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Sword marking on the horse signify?

    <p>Leadership and power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the initial perception of the gray colt by others at the auction?

    <p>They viewed him as wild and unworthy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason the narrator believed he could tame the horse?

    <p>He understood the horse's injuries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the father's opinion about the gray colt?

    <p>He thought it was a bad-tempered horse</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the narrator’s father promise him?

    <p>To allow him to choose any horse he likes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Sii Sward's condition during the storm?

    <p>She slept soundly and ignored the rain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the farmers believe about Sii Sward after the rain?

    <p>She saved their crops and families.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of the horse's physical condition did the narrator focus on?

    <p>Its injured mouth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what time did the heavy rain start?

    <p>At three o'clock in the morning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the narrator feel about the opinions of others regarding the horse?

    <p>He was determined to prove them wrong</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the father's actions in purchasing the colt?

    <p>It reflects his trust in the narrator's judgment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Sii Sward's presence affect the villagers?

    <p>It inspired them to work harder on farms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the wise old men warn about the horse?

    <p>It would bring misfortune.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of weather followed the initial sound of thunder?

    <p>A tropical shower.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did neighbors do while waiting for rain?

    <p>Joined prayers in the monastery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Sii Sward's actions impact her surroundings during the rain?

    <p>She was oblivious to the weather changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Pratoomratha Zeng

    • Born in Ubol, Siam in 1918 and educated in Bangkok and New York University.
    • Worked for the Siamese government and served as a translator for the U.S. Army during the war.

    Sii Sward: The Siamese Cat

    • Gifted to the author at the age of five, Sii Sward was known for her striking blue eyes and delicate dark brown fur.
    • Sii Sward was elected the "Rain Queen" during a severe drought in 1925 when the village faced chaos and famine.

    Drought and Rain Ceremony

    • In 1925, the region experienced three months of drought, threatening agriculture and leading to animal deaths.
    • Villagers prayed at the Buddhist temple for rain and performed the ancient Brahmo-Buddhist rain ceremony called Nang Maaw.

    The Role of Varuna

    • Varuna, the god of rain from Brahmanism and one of the oldest Vedic deities, must be pleased for rain to come.
    • The ceremony involved electing Sii Sward as a representation of Varuna, highlighting the community's belief in folklore.

    Sii Sward's Ceremony

    • The ceremony involved colorful clothing, traditional dances, and a decorated bamboo cage for Sii Sward.
    • During the procession, villagers offered rice wine and food, trying to impress the Rain Queen to invoke rain.

    Challenges during the Ceremony

    • Sii Sward became distressed throughout the loud and chaotic ceremony filled with chanting, firecrackers, and perfumes.
    • Despite the commotion, villagers believed the performance would influence the goddess of rain positively.

    Conclusion of the Ceremony

    • Unable to bear the situation, the author secretly removed Sii Sward from the cage and took her home.
    • Late that night, after the ceremony, a loud storm broke out, bringing rain that lasted for three days, saving the crops and the village.

    Community Reverence

    • Farmers attributed their saved crops to Sii Sward, viewing her as a heroine and engaging in rituals to honor her post-drought.

    Manuel Buaken

    • Born in the Philippines and educated in American universities before joining the First Filipino Infantry in 1943.
    • The narrative presents themes of hope and belief in tradition, seen through the conflict over the perception of a difficult horse, paralleling the author’s challenges with Sii Sward.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the life of Pratoomratha Zeng, highlighting his early years in Siam, education in Bangkok and New York, and his role as a translator during the war. Discover key events that shaped his career and contributions to his homeland.

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