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Have you ever wondered if this
surreal scene in Disney’s 2010 cartoon, Tangled, could be turned into reality?
Well, as a matter of fact, traditional lantern festivals in Thailand (Loi Krathong and Yi Peng) have been celebrated for centuries.
1. When?
Loi Krathong coincides with the
Lanna (northern Thai) festival called Yi Peng. They both take place on the evening of
the 12th full moon in Thai lunar calendar. In Western calendar, they often fall
in November. These annual events last for three consecutive days with full moon
on the second evening. That means November 5, 6 and 7 for 2014 and November
24, 25 and 26 for 2015.
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| Google doodles dedicated to the 2009 Loi Krathong |
2. Are there any differences between Loi Krathong and Yi Peng?
Although they’re both traditional
lantern festivals in Thailand and fall on the same days, you
can only witness the sky lanterns in Yi Peng. Loi Krathong is when
people launch their floating lanterns into rivers and lakes whilst making a
wish.
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| Lanterns setting afloat on the river source: wikipedia |
3. What do their names mean?
Loi Krathong can be understood as
“floating boats” in Thai. Meanwhile, Yi Peng means “full moon day in the second
month” in Lanna lunar calendar (the twelfth month according to Thai lunar
calendar). The lanterns used in Yi Peng are called khom loi or literally “the floating lanterns” in Thai.
4. Where?
While Yi Peng takes place only in
Chiang Mai, Loi Krathong is celebrated throughout Thailand, some parts of Laos
and in Shan state of Myanmar. So if you choose to
visit the ancient town of Chiang Mai in this festive time, you can observe lanterns
floating on the river as well as lanterns slowly ascending into the night sky.
5. What is the purpose?
Loi Krathong is held by Thai
people to pay respect to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha. They want
to apologize to her for contaminating the water she provides. The act of releasing
the lanterns also symbolizes the wish to let go of anger and hatred. With the purpose
of doing so, some people even cut their hair or fingernails then leave the
clippings inside the lanterns. Similarly, sky lanterns of Yi Peng are launched
into the sky with the wish of sending off bad lucks.
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| A family making wishes while releasing the lanterns source: wikipedia |
Today, people generally
take part in these two festivals to observe some of the most amazing scenes on
earth with their beloved ones while making merits.
6. What are the lanterns made of?
In Loi Krathong, the Thai made
their lanterns from a round cut of banana tree trunks which make them
biodegradable. They are then decorated elaborately with banana leaves, incense
sticks and candles and folded into lotus shapes. People sometimes place a coin
in the lantern to as an offering to the river spirits. Sky lanterns in Yi Peng are
different. They’re usually made of rice paper with a bamboo frame and attached
with a fuel cell.
These lanterns can be easily found and bought but be prepared
to haggle. If you want to make them yourself, check out this guide on how to make lanterns.
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| A lantern in the making source: wikipedia |
7. Are there any other activities?
Yes. In Chiang Mai, raft races
take place on the first day, followed by a lantern parade and contest. On the
next two days, there’re boat races and beauty contests. In the capital city of Bangkok, Loi Krathong is celebrated with some terrific fireworks.
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| Fireworks in Bangkok during Loi Krathong source: wikipedia |
And as Thailand welcome
travelers from all over the world in this festive time, the night life is more vibrant than normal.
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| Thousands of khom loi being launched into the night sky in Chiang Mai, Thailand source: pinterest.com |
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