Full Moon Day or Wan Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is one of the most picturesque festivals in Thailand.
Each November on the full moon, the whole country is illuminated
under a night sky as thousands of candlelit "boats" or
kratongs, are gently launched on Thailand's waterways.
The Origins of Loy Krathong
A festival of quiet celebration, the origins of Loy Kratong are
unclear, but it is believed that it started in Sukhothai, (north
of Bangkok) one of the most powerful cities in Asia, around 800
years ago.
Made from the cellulose trunk of a banana tree, the idea behind
the kratongs is to put all your misfortunes in a boat, and allow
them to literally float away. ("Loy"- to float, and "krathong"
- a leaf cup or bowl) Great care is taken to decorate the kratongs
with flowers and banana leaves, leaving room for the candles and
3 sticks of incense.
Loy Krathong always falls on Thai school holidays, so during the
day the whole family are often involved in making elaborately decorated
Kratongs. Some coins, a lock of hair, or nail clipping are placed
inside to represent the owner before the kratong is launched on
a river, canal, or the sea, accompanied by a prayer.
It's believed the "boat" will carry your bad luck into
the distance, and enable a better start to the following year. Loy
Kratong is a big night for lovers. Couples who make a wish together
on this day will enjoy long-lasting love, especially if their kratongs
remain together on the water.
While Loy Kratong is not strictly a religious festival, some Thais
believe that it pays homage to the water goddess, Mae Khongkha.
Whatever the significance, it's a magical "not-to-be-missed"
event.
Loy Krathong in Phuket
Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide. In Phuket, major hotels
usually host a special evening so that guests can join in.
Guests
usually set the kratongs on the sea - a delightful scene as thousands
of candlelit kratongs bob on the waves. In places like Patong, little
boys will volunteer for a small fee to carry your kratong out a
little further for a more auspicious start.
All of Phuket's major west coast beaches take part in Loy Kratong
festivities, with a mix of locals and tourists. Nai
Harn (on the large lake) and Patong
usually have the most activity with locals visiting beaches like
Kata and Karon. Two sites in Phuket Town, Saphan Hin and Suan Luang (King Rama
IX) parks, are also popular places for locals to celebrate. Expect
big crowds at both of these locations. (Read
more...) |
