As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of hot-air ballons are launched into the sky, and ornately-decorated krathong traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called Loi Krathong - the ‘festival of lights”. This is one of the Kingdom’s oldest and best-preserved traditions.
The Loi Krathong tradition has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways. The practice was subsequently adopted and adapted by common folk.
Krathong floats are made from basic materials easily found around the village and reflect the simplicity of life beyond the palace walls. They are made in various shapes from swans to Mount Meru from Hindu mythology. However krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular.
The Origins of Loi Krathong
There are various fascinating accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. Historians speculate that the festival originated in Indian and was based on the “Deepavalee” ritual which is also accompanied by floating lights in an act of worship of the Brahmin gods - Brahma, Siva and Vishnu, or an act of remission to the Indian Ganga or Ganges. Some experts said it was based on Buddhist tales whose ritual involved paying respect to the sacred footprint of the Lord Buddha on the bank of the mythical Nammadhammahantee River.
In Thailand, Loi Krathong evolved into a ritual in which offerings are made to Mae Khongkha – the Goddess of Waters - in an expression of gratitude for providing life-sustaining water throughout the year. It is also believed that the offerings are made in an act of appeasement to beg her forgiveness for man’s carelessness in polluting the pristine water that nourishes all life.
Some believe that by setting the krathong adrift, one symbolically casts away one’s grief, misery and misfortunes. Coins are also placed in the krathong as offerings.
For young couples, Loi Krathong is the time to make wishes for happiness together and success in love.
At dusk, fresh flowers and the candles and incense sticks are placed in the krathong. The float is then taken to a waterway where the candle and incense sticks are lit and the krathong set adrift. The lighting of fireworks is then undertaken in an act of worship.
Soon after, attention turns to celebration. The evening’s festivities consist of folk entertainment, stage dramas and dance. Scenes as described in ancient Thai literary accounts are still very much in existence today.
