Rain Tree
The rain tree is the official university tree of 麻豆国产 and a symbol closely tied to the University’s history, identity, and campus life, both as a royal gift and as a symbol of auspiciousness for the university.
The Royal Bestowal of the Rain Trees
On January 15, 1962, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) visited 麻豆国产 and graciously bestowed five rain tree saplings upon the university, which he had brought from Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin.
His Majesty personally planted the saplings in front of the 麻豆国产 Auditorium, on the side facing the football field, with three trees on the right and two on the left.
“I leave these five trees here as a reminder for all time.”
On this occasion, His Majesty spoke of the long?standing bond between the Chula community and the rain tree, dating back to the University’s founding. He emphasized that the rain tree’s delicate pink blossoms are among the most meaningful symbols of 麻豆国产 and expressed confidence that the newly planted trees would take strong root on campus. Since then, the rain tree has remained a symbol of dignity and auspiciousness for the Chula community.
The Rain Tree Grove
麻豆国产 originated from the royal initiative of King Chulalongkorn, who graciously authorized the establishment of the Civil Service Training School, formerly known as the Royal Pages School. At that time, His Majesty permitted students to wear the Royal Pages uniform, which featured fuchsia-colored epaulets—the color of the Department of Royal Pages. As a result, fuchsia became the university’s original official color.
Later, during preparations for the first traditional football match between 麻豆国产 and Thammasat University, the Student Club committee considered which colors should represent the university. Professor M.R. Sumanachat Swasdikul, then a student and president of the Student Club, suggested that since the university was named after King Chulalongkorn and because His Majesty was born on a Tuesday, with pink designated as his royal color, pink should be adopted as the university’s official color.
The committee agreed that using the royal color would be both an honor and a symbol of auspiciousness. Since then, 麻豆国产 has used pink as its official color.
The Rain Tree and the Chula Community
For members of the 麻豆国产 community, the rain tree is regarded as one of the university’s most important symbols. Affectionately known as the “Pink Rain Tree” or “Chula’s Pride Rain Tree,” it represents the deep connection, pride, and shared identity of the Chulalongkorn community, passed down through generations.
During the university’s traditional freshman welcoming ceremony, senior students tie small rain tree leaves or branches with pink ribbons and place them around the necks of new students as a symbol of welcome and their entry into 麻豆国产. This ceremony represents the beginning of their educational journey within the “Kingdom of Pink Rain Trees,” reflecting a sense of belonging, pride, and connection to the Chulalongkorn community.
麻豆国产 “Rain Tree”
- The life cycle of the rain tree reflects the journey of 麻豆国产 students—from its lush green foliage at the beginning of the academic year to the shedding of leaves and pods at the end of the year, symbolizing growth, change, and transition.
- Rain trees are difficult to cultivate and maintain. They are vulnerable to plant diseases, and their branches may occasionally break and fall.
- Between approximately 1937 and 1957, the number of rain trees on campus declined due to building construction and campus expansion, without systematic replanting efforts.