Loy Kratong is another important day to remember.
Loy Kratong marks the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. Therefore the actual date changes from year to year, although it generally falls sometime in November.
Loy Kratong translates to 'float a kratong'.
A kratong is a lotus shaped vessel that can float on water.
A kratong will traditionally be cut from a trunk of a banana tree and decorated with flowers and leaves. Typically Thai people place food, joss sticks, candles and coins into a kratong.
On Loy Kratong the celebration involves a very simple ritual:
One lights the candles and the joss sticks and making a wish or two. Then the kratong is placed on a river, canal or any other body of water with a current so that the kratong can float into the distance.
Thais believe that the longer the kratong floats the better the chance of the individualis wishes coming true.
The festival is said to date back to the 13th century and to the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai.
Thais commonly believes that Loy Kratong give one the opportunity to wash away one's sin from the previous year.
They also believe that those couples who celebrate the festival together will continue to have a strong relationship during the following year.
Click here for the
Loy Kratong Slideshow.
