The Loy Gratong Festival reflects the Thai's multi-faceted religion of Buddhism with Animism mixed in, since they worship the Spirit of the Water on this day. They treat it much like a Valentine's here, for its romantic feelings of the lights on the water. It is beautiful, but also very sad. Though we went to watch, we tried to explain to our friends that Jesus already died for our sins. We don't have to ask for them to be taken away by gods of the water. Though the Thais mix this holiday with Thai culture so much, they just explain it as a pretty thing to do that makes them feel good.
Thai people celebrate this holiday during a full moon in November. They buy small boats made of flours or bread. Communities join together for the festivities at rivers or lakes in their community. They set the candle-lit boat to float with their family or boyfriend/girlfriend. As the boat is pushed off, they pray that the things bad in their life would go away as well. They believe the Spirit of the Water will heal them of their problems and worries if they set their boat to float.
During the evening, a parade passed us, with many beautifully dressed people. They were carrying an idol of some type to the main stage.
It felt like a festival in many ways with the booths, fireworks, balloon games, and food as we walked around the lake. This guy pictured here makes lollipops in the shape of animals. I got an elephant with a monkey riding on his back. Come to think of it, I still haven't eaten it!
1 comment:
What an interesting holiday! Looks beautiful, yet sad because of the idea behind it.
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