Yesterday was full moon day. To be more precise, the day of the 12th full moon of the lunar calendar Thai traditional.
This day is an opportunity one of the most celebrated festivals (but not holiday) in Thailand: Loy Kratong.
Loy means "float". Kratong is the name of a small raft, is traditionally a slice of banana trunk, which are stitched leaves and flowers to evoke the lotus flower. It also adds three sticks of incense and a candle. This
Kratong be deposited in the river during the day, with a little prayer and a vow. Tradition has it that if the candle is still lit while Kratong disappeared in the distance, then the wish will come true. The Thai
sometimes add some hair to Kratong, so that it outweighs the evil away, or a small piece to force a chance ... and the happiness of children who go fishing once in Kratong celebration ended.
The origin of this tradition dates back to a Hindu rite, during which the Ganges is thanked by lanterns to have provided life throughout the year. She then developed in Thailand during the 13th century. Becoming an opportunity to worship Buddha and to thank the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha. The story also says that a young girl named Naang Noppamart had on this occasion, created the first banana Kratong in the form we know today. they were so beautiful that the King said this would be that we would now recognize, and made his favorite Naang.
Each year a beauty pageant is held, and the winner wins the title of "Queen Noppamart.
unrest preceding the night of Loy Kratong is really visible. People learn of your plans, and in the streets one sees the first vendors Kratong. It's a bit like thrush in the May 1 At the height of the festival, it's everywhere. Since the venderus professionals, Kratong calibrated to the real artists of the thing, to students who are trying to raise money for a school outing.
Some achievements are real glories. Only made of folded sheets and stitched flowers, we would almost heartbreaking to have to abandon the river.
The edge of the Chao Praya are stormed. It must be said that the city is not really organized around the River. There really is no stroll along the banks, but rather end up in streets that dead end. The best way then is to join one of the places a bit more "open" by boat, and to enjoy the movie: music bands, vendors and various parades of decorated boats.
The atmosphere is festive, and coincides with the return of dry conditions and almost free (that's two days that I have not turned the air conditioning ', even to sleep). However, it remains a little photogenic event. I expected to see the river lit candles, but the small size of these, and stirring the waters of the Chao Praya have quickly because of small lights, and only intermittently as you can see the rafts.
Others will make their Kratong in lakes, fountains and even swimming pools ... (See photo) is probably in the calmer waters they are the prettiest to watch ... But the goal remains to make from his troubles with them is more difficult in a closed basin.
Loy Kratong is one of those lovely holiday in Thailand. From a religious origin but ultimately more tinged poetry of ritual. I was told that Chiang Mai, the celebration was the opportunity release thousands of balloons into the sky lanterns ... The photos I've seen are magical. I try to go see it next year!
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