Saturday, November 24, 2007

Loi Krathong

Loy Krathong (or Loi Kratong, Thai ลอยกระทง) is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand. It is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, in the western calendar this usually falls into November and this year on the 24th.
“Loi” means “to float”. “Krathong” is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of Banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions use specially made bread 'flowers' and may use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river and they will sent there wishes along.

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