Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Today is the start of the Lunar year -- this one is the Year of the Ram (or if you choose: sheep or goat). From what I can tell, even though there are many Thai-Chinese in Bangkok, this is a fairly mellow holiday. The only thing I have personally witnessed is a lot of Chinese decorations going up in stores and shops (round red lanterns and red banners) for the past week or so, and today's Skytrain was full of ladies in red silk blouses with gold trim and embroidered Chinese characters.
I still, however, love the fact that Thai people celebrate New Year's three times: Western in January, Chinese in February, and Thai in April.
I know I am mixing metaphors (err, holidays) here, but I have a Chinese New Year's resolution: More posts to my website. Can I do a post a day for the month of February?
Well, I don't know ... if you are unsuccessful in February, then you can make it your New Year's Resolution for April!!!!! hehehehehe
Intersting fact about Thais celebrating Western and Chinese New Year. What is the difference between Chinese and Thai New Year -- how is the calendar different?
Love you!!
Good question, Beth. I had to do a little research on Songkran (Thai New Year) to find the answer. Apparently the different New Year dates are because the Chinese New Year is the start of the LUNAR calendar, while Songkran is the start of the SOLAR calendar.
In any case, it is a HUGE party in Thailand that turns into a big water fight. Do a search for "Songkran" to learn more, or check out this excellent description or this one