Loy Kratong

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Holidays are one of those chances for me to say "Wow, another year already?!" This week, the annual celebration is Loy Kratong, one of the most important Thai events on the calendar.

Last year's Loy Kratong was mildly interesting for me, since I had never seen it before, but the crush of people at the river where we were was almost unbearable. This year, Piyawat and I decided to avoid the crowds as much as possible, but still take part in the celebration. So after dinner, we went to watch the latest Matrix movie at MBK. By the time we headed over to Chulalongkorn University, it was almost 11 PM and most of the crowds had left.

It was still fairly crowded, though, as we bought our 10-baht (US$.25) kratong. The kratong is basically a small boat with a styrofoam base filled with flowers and incense sticks and a candle. The idea is that you go to a river (or in our case, a pond on a university campus), light the candle and the incense and then loy (float) the kratong to give thanks to the water god/godess/spirit for providing the water that sustains life.

All in all, I think it is a nice tradition. Since I was raised as a Christian, I don't really believe in a water spirit. I do, however, think it is a good idea every now and then to reflect on the natural world (the water we drink and the air we breathe) and to be thankful for what we have been given.

2 Comments

i celebrated loy kratong at queen's park by emporium this year. i think that, regardless of whatever religion/background you're from, it's still a great tradition for friends and families to get together and share in the fun and festivities. sounds like you had fun. :)

happy loy kratong!

Amen!!! There are many who do not do just that ... be thankful - yes, regardless of what relgious or non-religious background you are from - but to be thankful for what is around us and what sustains the basics of our ... life.

Love you!!!

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This page contains a single entry by Stuart published on November 8, 2003 11:52 PM.

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