Loy Krathong is a nationwide festival and will be celebrated throughout Thailand on the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. Visitors to Thailand at the time are bound to witness, and most likely will be encouraged to join in, the touching scenes that accompany this festival of light and water.
Although the holiday of Loy Krathong is now celebrated throughout the kingdom, Loy Krathong originated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital; and where the holiday was first celebrated.
Highlights of the Sukhothai Loy Krathong celebration include displays of lighted candles and fireworks, folk dancing and a spectacular light & sound presentation.
Although the holiday of Loy Krathong is now celebrated throughout the kingdom, Loy Krathong originated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital; and where the holiday was first celebrated.
Highlights of the Sukhothai Loy Krathong celebration include displays of lighted candles and fireworks, folk dancing and a spectacular light & sound presentation.
Significance…..’Loy’ means ‘to float’; ‘krathong’ is a leaf cup, usually of banana leaf deftly folded into a container looking like a cup. A candle, 3 incense sticks and flowers are positioned in this cup and the ‘krathong’ is ready to be released into a river.
The traditional purpose is to thank the Goddess of the Water, Mae Khong Kha, for providing enough water for the rice fields and other crops, and thereby producing a bountiful harvest. It is also to ask forgiveness for having dirtied her waters. These days it also provides an opportunity for some spiritual cleansing, and the small prayer before releasing the krathong often includes an avowal to let go ofany lingering grievances and resentments towards fellow men. Thus the festival has both animist and Buddhist elements.
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