http://www.loikrathong.net/en/history.php“Loi Krathong” is a Thailand's festival on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. 'Loi' means floating and 'Krathong' is a banana–leaf cup. Thai people's belief is to float away bad luck and to apologize the River Goddess that they might accidentally tarnish the river in the last year. Some believe that Loi krathong originally is to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River. On this ritual day, people usually make Krathong decorated with flowers and float them onto the river. However, there are some differences varied by certain communities. For example, in Tak province, people gather at the river banks and each brings thousands of Krathong made from dried coconut shells. When lit Krathongs are floated onto the right current, one after another, they make a beautiful and shiny line in the night. Sukhothai province also has a uniquely traditional procession of floral offerings carried by beautiful girls, called Nang Nopphamat. Generally, the bright candle light from the floated Krathongs and the cool breeze of November together captures all participants' pleasure. This year's festival takes place on November 8-12th.
I like this festival because it makes that night attractive. Candle light, fragrant of decorated flowers and sound of original Thai song freeze me with happiness. Resulting from this festival, fun stories take place. For example, Thai students traditionally invite the one whom they secretly admire to float Krathong together. I guess it is because the impressive surrounding environment in this festival will support their relationship stronger. However, there are rumors for some places that will curse any couples who float Krathongs together to break up. Moreover, some people believe that the candle light of their Krathongs brown up by wind, their Krathongs turned over by currents, or Krathongs of their partner floated apart can tell unsmooth relationship of the couples tending to happen in the future.
1 comment:
ar ha, i liked this festival when i was a student. i was very fun with my friends doing our own kratong by using some parts of banana tree. sometime we made them for sale and we played firework. there were lot of activities on that day, sometime we forgot the meaning of Loi Krathong day.
Now, I kind of ignore this festival, because my friends don’t want to go or maybe they have someone to go with. haha i don't know…(sad for me) moreover, there are lot of people at the places that have a special event (very crowded), and good restaurants (at the good area such as the restaurants are along the Chao-Phaya river) are already reserved for some couples who want the romantic atmosphere.
Actually, I envy them. haha :)
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