Loy Krathong (or Loi Kratong, Thai ลอยกระทง) is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand. It is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, in the western calendar this usually falls into November.
“Loi” means “to float”. “Krathong” is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions often use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river. Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build much bigger and more elaborate rafts, and these are often judged in contests. In addition, fireworks and beauty contests take place during the festival
October 7, 2007 at 5:47 am
More from Wiki about Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong (or Loi Kratong, Thai ลอยกระทง) is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand. It is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, in the western calendar this usually falls into November.
“Loi” means “to float”. “Krathong” is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions often use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river. Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build much bigger and more elaborate rafts, and these are often judged in contests. In addition, fireworks and beauty contests take place during the festival
October 7, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Did you get any photos of them floating down the river, other than video I mean? They were interesting as I thought they were going to be kites! LOL.
October 7, 2007 at 4:29 pm
John – I bet they don’t sink and get stuck in Thailand!
Andy – I didn’t, but Rory did. He’s not a Flickrer though. I don’t know if you have access, but there are some on FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3089&page=2&id=579980128
October 8, 2007 at 4:06 am
Since they do it every year. They’ve got it down. Down without sinking.