(This article was first published in Small World Ezine on 19 November 2002)
Loy Krathong is a big festival in Thailand, but it's not
a public holiday because the celebration is at night. This
year we "Loy Krathong" on 19 November.
In the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month (about
November), the moon is said to be the biggest. Also, the
rivers will reach their highest level tonight. Thais,
Laotians, and Cambodians will make lotus-shaped "Krathong" s
of banana stems and leaves or other light materials, put
candles, incense sticks, flowers, coins, etc. and float
them down the rivers.
We have done it for too long, but no-one was ever sure why
we did it. There are several stories, for example...
- We want to thank you for the water the mother river gives
to us, and at the same time, apologise to her because we
have been taking her and her water for granted for the whole
year. (remember? In our language, the term "river" and
"mother" are the same. Read it here...)
- We want to pay worship to the Buddha's footprint, which
is believed to be at the bottom of the ocean.
- We want to float away all the bad luck and negative stuff
with our krathongs. Hopefully, the next year to follow will
be a better year.
Whatever it is, we always go out to float our krathong.
There is also a belief that lovers' krathongs should be
floating to the same direction. If they go separately, the
couple is not destined to be together.
Remember Sukhothai, the Thai's first capital? Read it
here...
It is also believed (no written evidence) that the original
Loy Krathong was held in Sukhothai 700+ years ago. So,
Sukhothai today takes it their tradition to celebrate their
yearly Loy Krathong festival and fair within the ancient
city. It's the best place to visit for Loy Krathong in
Thailand.
Sukhothai's Historical Site:
More readings and pictures...
Chiang Mai's Loy Krathong
Thailand Grand Festival
Sukhothai's Loy Krathong
