Thailand celebrates New Year

Yesterday, April 13th Thailand Celebrations dedicated to the Thai New Year began. Songkran (as this holiday is called in Thailand) is celebrated for three days - April 13, 14 and 15.

The main tradition of the New Year’s festival – pouring water – has earned him world fame. Thais douse each other for a reason: it is believed that with each douse a person cleanses his soul and acquires luck for the next year. The tradition is not without practical meaning, because April in Thailand is the hottest month of the year. So dousing helps residents cope with the heat.

Each day of the holiday has its own meaning.

Van Sangkan Long is the first day on which Thais say goodbye to the old year. On this day, you need to do a good house cleaning and prepare offerings to the monks.

"Van Nao" or "Van Da" - the second day, April 14 - the Sun is halfway between Pisces and Aries. On this day, you need to smile more and not say bad words, which is not so easy, because everyone is in a hurry to congratulate the holiday and douse the other with tinted water. It is important that no one should be offended by this, because pouring water is an integral sign of a successful start to the year.

Van Phuya Wang is the third day, April 15. On this day comes the New Year. Thais come to temples to ask forgiveness for their sins, make offerings to monks, and receive blessings from elders.

photo from:http://content.mail.ru/arch/23873/2872427.html