By Tanasorn Rojanasingsawad (Year 12)
Loy Krathong festival is celebrated annually on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls during November. There are many stories regarding the origin of this tradition. One version is that Thai people have for a long time been closely involved with the rivers of Thailand due to the agricultural nature of the country.
Another belief is that Thai people make a Krathong to show respect and ask for forgiveness from the River Goddess, Khongkha. Some Thais also see it as an opportunity to let go of misfortune and to wash away the sins from the past year, as well as an opportunity to make wishes for a good upcoming year.
“Loy” means “float” and a “Krathong” is a Thai floating sculpture made from a cross-section of a banana tree trunk, elaborately and intricately decorated with banana leaves and colourful flowers. Additionally, it also usually contains a candle and three joss-sticks.
Some people might put their fingernail clippings or hair on the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of oneself, as well as to express apologies to Khongkha, the River Goddess. Some also believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha’s footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut.
Last week the British International School Phuket held 3 Loy Krathong assemblies on the 3rd of November, 2017, inviting all the staff, students and parents to participate and engage in the timeless beauty of Thai culture. There were many wonderful performances throughout the shows, and although many of us enjoyed the festivity of the event, the purposes of Loy Krathong remain forever in our hearts and we will remember to show appreciation and ask for forgiveness from Khongkha, the River Goddess, for being ungrateful and taking water for granted.