Loi Krathong in Thailand
Description:
Long ago, in the Middle Ages, in the era of Sukhothai, during the reign of King Litai, his wife at one of the festivals built a huge bowl of banana leaves and bamboo stems, laid it out with cut fruits - and laid the beginning of a bright tradition: the art of combining a miracle created by man, in gratitude for what gives us life and strength in the great veneration of the traditions of his people.
Traditionally, the leaves of a banana tree are used to make such a boat. From them, kratongs of completely different sizes and types are made, sometimes more resembling miniature palaces, real works of art of Thai needlework. They are exhibited for public view in the crowded places of the city, and those who are “simple” patiently wait for their time in the homes of the people who made them.
In the evening, when the night haze envelops the city, people take their kratongs, go to the banks of the river or the sea, go shallow into the water, and release them to the will of the wind and currents. Such a gesture symbolizes, first of all, a tribute to the respect and worship of Mother Water, the nurse and patroness of people living on the earth. Water provides food-fish and animals living in it, fertilizes the fields, allowing farmers to harvest rice and fruits, favorably carries people and goods, helping trade. Appreciative people give water their kratongs, thanks for all the gifts they receive.
However, gratitude towards Mother Water is not the only reason people gather for this holiday. In November, at the end of the rainy season, all rivers are usually overflowing with water and strong currents. Any object placed in the full force of the river is quickly picked up by the rapid waters, and carried away far away, where the eyes of the person who let him go can no longer distinguish his messenger. That is why many people, having cut off a small lock of their hair for loyalty, put it in their kratong and send it on a long journey with all their troubles and troubles, problems and sorrows, so that they disappear from view.
Loi Krathong is a full moon day in November, a celebration of the spirit of water and light. There is a lot of light on that night. The entire Gulf of Siamese burns with a flame of twinkling candles, symbolizing the souls of ancestors; they merge into one bright, exciting sea – a sea of gratitude to water and light, for what they give people life. And Thais believe that the kratongs lowered on the water will connect the hearts of lovers in the next life, so on this night everyone shares the holiday with the most dear people. And people on this night are united in their desire to be free and happy. The sky shudders with fireworks and fireworks, and the air is filled with singing.
The song "Loy Krathong" sounds everywhere and now, one by one, bright stars rise from the earth, joining in flocks and floating to the horizon. These are large balloons made of thin tissue paper, filled with hot air and cherished desires. Thais believe in wish fulfillment. Perhaps that is why, before you open your hands and release the ball, couples for a moment freeze, shut up, say their cherished dream to themselves, and then look at the night sky for a long time, seeing your ball, your dream, your star. Strangely, on this night hundreds, thousands of such balls soar in the sky, but the eye unmistakably and easily finds its own among them, and it becomes a little sad that soon everything will merge on the horizon into one bright ribbon and dissolve in a transparent haze, and you no longer fly after your dream, but wake up with extraordinary ease and love in your soul.