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JobsLoi Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai
Loi mean "to float" and Krathong mean "leaf cup" which is usually made of banana leaf.The floating of a ‘Krathong' ( a banana–leaf cup ) is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Mae Khongkha ( Mother of waters ). Loi Krathong is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls on mid-November. During October and November all rivers and canals in the lowlands ard flooded and in some places overflow their banks. The rainy season has ended and it is the time of rejoicing, for the weather is fair after the rain. The sky becomes bright and clear, without dampness.
As for the public, people usually make banana-leaf cups to float them onto the river although there exist some uniquely different aspects in certain communities. For example, the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, during which balloon-like ‘Khom Loi' lanterns including the ‘Khom Fai' ( a fire lantern ) and ‘Khom Khwan' ( a smoke lantern ) are flown into the sky as a symbol of worship to Phrathat Chulamani in heaven. Making a Khom Loi will need a lot of artistic skills as well as scientific techniques, just like the ones used in making a balloon. Tracing paper or Sa paper is used to make air bags of various shapes. It is believedthat flying a Khom Loi is like flying grief and ill fortune away from ourselves or our home.
In markets a few days before the full moon, in stalls and shops prepared a number of Krathong or leaf cups specially made for sale at the season. Some of the Krathong are not leaf cups at all, in the ordinary sense of the world. Some in shape of a bird or boat, are more of a toy than krathong, and have only made their own home made krathong for occasion but perhaps there may be one or two progressive folk who make them in shape of a bird or boat for an amusement of their children. Usually, the krathong has a small coin in it, besides a candles and incense sticks, and sometimes a mouthful of betel nut for chewing purpose. The addition of these two is not generally observed noadays.
In the evening, when the full moon begins to rise, people carry their krathong to the bank of waterways. After the candle and incense sticks are lighted, a krathong is pushed gently out onto the surface of the placid water. A few folk will somtimes raise their hands in worship. They watch the krathong as it floats sluggishly along until it is far away out of sight. Children play with water fireworks to while away the time. Fireworks, besides being a form of amusement, are a part of any celebrations, secular or religious. We light fireworks sometimes in the same spirit as we light candles in an act of worship.
The Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, especially where there are rivers, canals or sources of water, with different unique characteristics.
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