The Global Cyber Journal of Wit & Wisdom @ Thaiskale.com

With the passing of last Saturday came the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month (usually in November) which marks one of Thailand’s most popular traditional holidays–Loy Kratong (also spelt Loi Kratong), where in the moonlit hours, after the sun has gone down until the peak of midnight, couples, families, and friends head on to the closest water source–ideally a river, though oceans, ponds, and even swimming pools are not uncommon–and set afloat a hand made ‘kratong’ into the water, symbolically wishing away their bad stigma and karma while at the same time paying respect to and asking forgiveness from mother nature, particularly her water spirits for all the harm that us humans have caused.

A kratong, a float that resembles a beautifully adjourned lotus flower, is ideally made from natural, biodegradable materials, traditionally bananna tree trunk and leaves. Though some people carelessly and ignorantly construct their kratongs using non natural materials such as foam and plastic, this practice is frowned upon as it ends up contradicting the purpose of Loy Kratong by polluting the water even more.

People, usually girls, who construct the lavish kratongs, take pride in the craft, art and skill which is passed on to them from village elders and craft school teachers. For those who have no idea or time to make their own kratong, no problem! In the evening and night hours of Loy Kratong day, basic kratongs are sold from 10 baht up to 100 baht near all the main loy spots around the country–usually at temples and schools which are along side the water source.

In every town and city, there are also many festivities to compliment the loy kratong atmosphere, creating an overall lively and fun cultural yet stimulating environment: Live traditional Thai music and dancing on small and large stages; Nang Nopamast (one of Sukhothai’s pillar Siamse monarch, Ramkhamhaeng’s wife who is believed to import the loy kratong tradition) beauty pageants, beer on draught, Thai snacks and munchies galore; Large lavish kratongs are on display on various tables for those who appreciate the fine details of such an art–of which can even be purchased for the right price.

This year, the Siamerican Wanderer drove his bike down to Phetchaburi 60 kilometers southwest of Samut Songkhram. There, chasing fond memories of the picturesque and charming aura from his phase there years before, he plucked a hair, lit his candle and incense and made a wish at the banks of the Phetchaburi river at the grounds of the Technic school, Phetchaburi’s prime loy spot. While it is ideal to Loy with family and loved ones, the Wanderer’s family was far away in Phuket this year and as the Siamerican Loied his kratong alone, he thought of his love in his heart.

The night of Loy Kratong gradually faded into several pitchers of Chang beer on draught, topped off with a karaoke session at a local country pub. Almost un-phased by the alcohol spirits, not taking the natural spirits for granted, the Siamerican safely was back in Samut Songkhram by noon the next day, where he and his friend went to Lake Point resort in Dam Nern district of Ratchaburi for wakeboarding and relaxing.

And now for the visual stimuli of the festivities. The following pictures are courtesy of Sonny J, a contemporary Finnish Arteest-Philosopher-student based in Bangkok.

Kratongs are constructed by crafty Thais–old and young alike and sold in front of temples and other loy spots near the water source.

Light the candles and incense and float away all the bag stigma, while making good merit for the future and goodwill of love, life, and mother nature.

Loy Kratong is a time for festivities, fun, friends, and family!

What picture blog would be complete with out all the eye candy available at Thai festivals ?!?!

The day after,the Siamerican and Sonny head to Lake Point Resort in Dam nern district of Ratchaburi province for laid back leisure.

Popularity: 16% [?]

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Did you find this post interesting? You may also enjoy these posts:

• Phuket Vegan Fest: Known popularly as the Vegetarian Festival
• Mushroom growing in Central and Northeastern Thailand: Fungi Farms
• Bangkok’s New Southern Bus Terminal (Chimpli / Chimplee) : สถานีขนส่งสายใต้ใหม่ (ฉิมพลี)
• Phuket Vegetarian (Vegan) Festival 2007 images: Mutilation Parade
• Will Write For Food: Supplemental Income Content Writing