Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Loy Krathong

November full moon shine Loy Krathong, loy krathong.....
Yes, this is a song we usually sing or hear in the mall every month of November in the kingdom of Thailand.
Loy krathong is one of Thai annual festivals. It takes place on the full-moon of the month of the lunar calendar.

Loy Krathong was originated in the ancient kingdom of Sukothai some 700 years ago.
Loy means floating and krathong stands for a little lotus-shaped "krathong" (boat) made of banana stem and banana leaves, decorated with candle, incense, flowers and other decorations as a homage to the Buddha.

There are several other legends about the origin of Loy Krathong, however, most are all similar in one aspect.
Narng Noppamart was a lady with great artistic skills from royal court made the first krathong, some 700 years ago.

Loy Krathong was the very enjoyable day for the Thai people, their very important objective is to give respect to the Goddess of Water to thank for its benefit as well as to beg pardon for polluting water.
The other one is to push bad luck away and bring back good luck.