Loi Krathong is an annual festival held on the full-moon of the 12th Thai lunar Month (November 17th according to western calendar this year). Three SEA countries celebrate Loi Krathong with the majority of Thailand partaking as well as some people from Burma and Laos in the adapted Buddhist version of the festival. Loi Krathong originated in India where it served as a Brahman festival honoring Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma but was then adapted to worship Buddha's footprint in the Nammathanati River beach, India.
Even with the adaptations to the festival, the preparation for the festivities remains. Loi means to float and Krathong translates loosely into crown or decoration therefore Loi Krathong translates into Floating Crown. Since the tradition began Krathongs (the crowns) have been made using a banana tree trunk as a round base with elaborately folded banana leaves surrounding the base. Many colorful flowers are then placed about the Krathong with a lotus flower being the original species used.
Once the base and flowers are completed three incense sticks and a candle are placed in the center, allowing the light to venerate Buddha. By cutting some of your hair and fingernails and placing it in the krathong it is said to wash away negative thoughts and small coins are used as an offering to the river spirits. Now that the krathong has been made, the most beautiful part of the ceremony can happen!
Any river will suffice but luckily Loi Krathong 2013 was spent at the Krabi River. All the candles and incense are lit and before each krathong is placed in the water, forgiveness is asked for using, dirtying and drinking water, respect is paid to whomever god you choose and wishes are made for the following year. Finally, as the krathong floats away taking with it all of one's anger, hatred and defilement any last respects are paid and an observation of a beautiful, well lit wish floating away occurs.
Even with the adaptations to the festival, the preparation for the festivities remains. Loi means to float and Krathong translates loosely into crown or decoration therefore Loi Krathong translates into Floating Crown. Since the tradition began Krathongs (the crowns) have been made using a banana tree trunk as a round base with elaborately folded banana leaves surrounding the base. Many colorful flowers are then placed about the Krathong with a lotus flower being the original species used.Once the base and flowers are completed three incense sticks and a candle are placed in the center, allowing the light to venerate Buddha. By cutting some of your hair and fingernails and placing it in the krathong it is said to wash away negative thoughts and small coins are used as an offering to the river spirits. Now that the krathong has been made, the most beautiful part of the ceremony can happen!
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