Loy
Krathong
is a thai tradition practiced since the ancient time. Loy Krathong festival begins
from the middle of October until the middle of November in the time of high-level
river which is full of water. The popular time for the festival is in November
full moon shine, because of the full moon. The moon’s light makes the river look
clear and clean in the night. The good atmosphere is suitable for Loy Krathong
festival.
Loy
Krathong was originally called Phraratchaphithi (Royal ceremony) “Jong Plean
Chak Kome, Loy Kome”, a Phram Tradition. The purpose was for paying respect
to three Gods, Phra Issuan, Phra Narai as well as Phra Phrom.
When
Thai People accepted Buddism. Loy Kome Tradition for paying respect to Phra
Barommasaririkathat (Buddha’s Relics), Phra Chulamanee in the heaven called
Daowadeung was begun. Loy Kome for paying respect to Phraphuthabath was made
at the bank of Nummathanthi river, India.
Nang Nophamas, a wife
of Phra Ruang who was the King of Sukhothai invented Krathong in the form of
lotus and other forms for giving the King. Krathong were released to the river
according to the King’s order.In the book called “ Tamrab Taosrichulalak”, the
King said “ From today until the future, Kome in the form of lotus are invented
eternally by Kings of Thailand on the auspicious day in November full moon shine,
to pay respect to Phra Phuthabath Numkathanathi.
In the time of Rattanakosin,
the big and elegant Krathong was beatifully made according to a book of Rattanakosin
belonging to Chaopraya Thipha Ratchawong
When in November, at
the date of fourteen-fifteen waxing moon ,and first waning moon, originally
the cousin of the King and government officers with strength were requested
to invent the big Krathong of Jong Plean tradition.
Krathong
were made in the form of barrel, Pae Yuak (raft made of banana trees) which
was 8-9 sok wide and 10-11 sok high for the purpose of contest. Krathong in
the form of Khaosumeru, 4 continents or shelves were sometimes invented. They
were decorated with Krueng Sod (decorations of fresh flowers of leaves) by hundreds
of people. The expense of Krathong making from the food for these people until
experts was nearly 20 chang or more.
At the
present, Loy Krathong tradition is held in most of provinces. It is considered
to be the annual important festival, especially, the manifestation of big and
small Krathong, Krathong as well as Miss Krathong contest are held in Chiangmai.
Loy kome
festival is still popular in the north and northeastern of Thailand. Papers
will be made for a big colorful Kome. Kome will be released into the air by
smoke. But in the night, fire will be set by torch at the mouth of Kome in order
to make the smoke go through Kome. After that, Kome will go into the sky. Kome
and moon’s light as well as star are beautifully seen in the night.
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