Trip 2015-16. Day 247. Thailand, Chiang Mai. Таиланд: Чиангмай

Заканчивается сезон дождей, начинается засуха. В путь по реке времени тайцы отпускают страдания, печали и неудачи. Фермеры благодарят речных духов за обилие воды и возможность вырастить хороший урожай риса. Начинается новый жизненный цикл...

Внешне Лойкратхонг, который в Тайланде отмечают в ночь ноябрьского полнолуния, напоминает славянский праздник Ивана Купала. Его основные обряды связаны с водой и огнем. Только вместо венков по воде пускают небольшие украшенные листьями и цветами “лодочки” с зажженными свечами. Их отправляют в плавание по рекам в качестве подношения Матери Вод - Мае Конгка.

November. Full Moon. Fire, Water and Light.

“The theme of fire and water is perhaps mostly exemplified by the Thai festival of Loi Krathong (also called Yi Peng in northern Thailand), which takes place on three nights during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (which usually falls in November). Here fire, in the form of candles set adrift on the water, literally meets water. Loi Krathong is essentially a nocturnal river-worship festival.” (C. Dewdney “Acquainted with the Night: A Celebration of the Dark Hours”)

“Small boats (krathongs) made from natural materials like banana stalks are floated on rivers or ponds. Lighted candles, incense, and coins are placed on the boats.

In northern Thailand a historical explanation for the origin of Loi Krathong prevails. During the reign of King Kamala of Haripunjaya (modern day Lamphun) in the tenth century C.E., a deadly cholera epidemic forced the populace to evacuate the city. Eventually they made their way to present day Pegu in Myanmar, where they stayed for six years until the epidemic subsided. After the majority of the people returned to Haripunjaya, they sent gifts of food and clothing down the river to their relatives who remained in Pegu. The festival of Loi Krathong celebrates this event with an annual offering to the spirits of departed ancestors. Others believe the krathongs to be offering to the goddess of the Mae Khongkha (Ganges River), the Mother of Waters”. (The Buddhist World of Southeast Asia)

Today thousands of krathongs in Chiang Mai seem to have reached its real destination and the prayers have been heard. The Goddess of Waters kindly sent a refreshing joyful rain down to earth. Probably the last one for the next several hot months since this date traditionally marks the end of the rainy season...

Yi Peng is a northern Thai term signifying the full moon of the second lunar calendar month in the ancient Lanna Kingdom of which Chiang Mai used to be the capital. It is the Festival of Floating Lanterns and the Celebration of Light. Thousands of illuminated lanterns (khom loi) are launched into the night sky. The flame in the lantern is said to symbolize the knowledge and the light it gives should guide you through the right path in life.
For me it’s a beautiful way of letting go, sending your misfortunes and troubles away and commencing a new cycle of life.