Loi Kratong in Thailand (07/11)

The very beautiful holiday of Loy Kratong ( Loy Kratong ) is held every year in Thailand at night of the twelfth full moon. « Loi » translates as « floating », « Kratong » — « boat ( construction ) from leaves ».

But in 2021, in connection with the coronavirus pandemic, festive events can be canceled.

Once upon a time, back in the Middle Ages, in the Sukhotai era, during the reign of King Litai, his wife built a huge bowl of banana leaves and bamboo stems on one of the holidays, laid it out with cut fruit — and laid the foundation for a bright tradition: the art of combining together a miracle created by man, in gratitude for what gives us life and strength in the great veneration of the traditions of our people.

Traditionally, banana wood leaves are used to make such a boat. Of these, cratongs of completely different sizes and types are made, sometimes more reminiscent of miniature palaces, real works of art of Thai needlework. They are exposed for public viewing in the crowded places of the city, and those who « simpler » patiently await their hour in the homes of the people who made them.

In the evening, when the night darkness envelops the city, people take their kratongs, go out to the river or sea, go shallow into the water and let them go to the will of the wind and currents. Such a gesture symbolizes, first of all, the tribute of respect and worship of Mother Water, the nurse and patroness of people living on earth. Water provides food — fish and animals living in it fertilizes the fields, enabling farmers to harvest rice and fruit crops, favorably transfers people and goods, helping trade. Confessential people give their cratongs to the water, thanks to it for all the gifts they receive.

However, gratitude to Mother Water — is not the only reason forcing people to gather for this holiday. In November, at the end of the rainy season, all rivers are usually crowded with water and strong with the current. Any object placed in full force by the river is instantly picked up by fast waters and carried away far, where the eyes of the person who let it no longer can distinguish between his messenger. That is why, many people, having cut down a small lock of their hair for fidelity, put it in their kratong and send it on a long journey along with all their troubles and troubles, problems and sorrows, so that they are out of sight.



The song « Loi Kratong » sounds everywhere, and one after the other, bright stars soar from the earth, connecting to flocks and floating to the horizon. These are large balloons made of the finest papyros paper, filled with hot air and cherished desires. Thais believe in fulfillment of desires. Probably, therefore, before shaking hands and releasing a ball, the couples freeze for a moment, shut up, pronounce their cherished dream to themselves, and then look at the night sky for a long time, seeing off his ball, his dream, his star with a thoughtful look.

It’s strange that this night hundreds of thousands of such balls are floating in the sky, but the look is unmistakable and easily finds its own among them, and it becomes a little sad from, that soon everything will merge on the horizon into one bright ribbon and dissolve in a transparent haze, and you will not fly after your dream, but you are awakened with extraordinary ease and love in your soul.

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