Loy Krathong Celebration

Hey guys! Many of you saw my pictures from Loy Krathong, so I wanted to take a minute to write a blog post all about what we did.

Loy Krathong (pronounced cra-tong) is a festival that takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar; hence, the exact date of the festival changes every year. In the Western calendar this usually falls in the month of November. This year, it was November 14th!

Krathongs are made out of banana leaves, flowers, cauliflower, carrots, and even cucumbers! Incense and a candle are put on the top of the krathongs.

 The krathongs are released into the river for many different reasons, depending on who you ask. They are released to thank the river goddess for giving the people water and to apologize for polluting her waters. They are also released to carry your past troubles and heartaches, and also your hopes and wishes for the year ahead.

At school, krathong making is a BIG deal! My students spent many days and hours practicing for the krathong making contest our school held. My students won the category for "Most Beautiful Krathong." The best part? They make these krathongs ALL on their own!














Next, the entire school lines up outside (3,000 kids in 94 degree weather with 89% humidity) to all release the krathongs. They say a prayer and ceremonially release the krathongs together. 








It's a beautiful thing to see students working together to promote a cultural and community building activity!

Next, at night, the entire community takes their krathongs to the river to celebrate and give thanks and send off wishes.






(Gabby and I; a teacher from my school who is from Oregon!)

I can't explain to you how incredibly beautiful this event was! Although this event was toned down from normal years because of their King's recent passing, it was still amazing.

Coming together as a community to send off our hurts and sorrows and bring in new peace and kindness was just incredible and one of the greatest things I have ever experienced. 


Location: Saraburi, Thailand

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