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Jan Garanoz
Thanon Pemavipat
Chiang Rai, 57000
Thailand


Thailand / Celebrations / Loi Krathong

The night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) is the time of Loi Krathong. Loi means to float and Krathong is a leaf cup normally made of banana leaf. Usually the Krathong has a small coin in it, besides a candle and incense sticks.

Loi Krathong

Loi Krathong in Sukhothai

It is unclear to what extent the festival has a religious relevance. It's not Buddhist but Buddhism doesn't prohibit the belief in a wide array of spirits and can even coexist with other religions. The fact that the Loi Krathong is not Buddhist doesn't mean that it wouldn't have a quasi religious meaning for a large number of people. A common belief is that floating the cups brings good luck.

During October and November all rivers and canals in the lowlands are flooded and in some places overflow their banks. The rainy season has ended and after the strenuous labor of ploughing and planting rice for the previous three months from dawn to dusk the heavy work is now over for the country folk. The peasants have only to wait a month to six weeks for the harvest. During this idle interval they spend the time with many feasts and festivals, among them the observance of the Loi Krathong tradition.

In the evening, when the full moon begins to rise, people carry their Krathongs to the banks of waterways. After the candle and incense sticks are lighted, the Krathong is pushed gently out onto the surface of the placid water. A few folk will raise their hands in worship. They watch the Krathong as it floats sluggishly along until it is out of sight.

The floating Krathong usually has a short life. As it floats far away from its starting place, children will, in most cases, swim out to snatch for it. They will perhaps ignore the empty ones, but are certainly eager to catch those with small coins inside.


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Created: September 1, 1995 - Last updated: February 4, 2008