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So Many
Festivals!
When we first moved to
Thailand, one of the first words we learned was "sanuk" -
it means "fun" and there are plenty of opportunities here
for fun! Throughout the year there are many traditional
festivals. On this page are some photos from two of
our favorite festivals: Loy Kratong and the Flower Festival.
Loy Kratong
Under the first full moon in November,
this three day celebration marks the end of the rainy
season. In one of the
traditions, large paper fire balloons are launched into the
night sky, carrying our prayers to the heavens... The
young monks at the temples assist in sending off the
balloons (and they have enormous fun!) |
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This lunar festival is dedicated to the Goddess
of the Waters, Mae Khong Kha and the rivers are honored with
beautiful "Kratongs" - little boats made from banana leaf and lovingly
decorated with incense, candles and flowers. The kratongs are floated
in the rivers, creating a twinkling stream of light. People
offer apologies for any harm they did to the water, they make wishes as they
float their Kratong and give thanks for a bountiful rice harvest.
It is a time of joy and renewal.
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The city is decorated with hand-made paper lanterns.
And, there are several wonderful parades with lavish floats, lovely
women in traditional costumes and charming children!
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Chiang Mai Flower Festival
In February, just before the Hot Season begins,
we enjoy the Flower Festival in Chiang Mai. The
highlight is the parade - which is so beautiful and "sanuk
mak mak" (alot of fun!)
There are floats decorated with flowers and other natural
elements, dancers, tribal groups, marching bands and, of course, there
are lovely Thai ladies in traditional costume.
This year, several of Deb's Flower Festival
photos were featured by "Yahoo News"
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| There are also
exhibitions of orchids and other flowers... |
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Visit
other pages in Deb's
Photo Gallery
Visit
Deb's
Flowering
Moon website
to learn more about Sacred Space Design, Feng Shui, Space Clearing,
Coaching and other ways to bring more balance and beauty to life.
All photos
copyright Deb Swingholm 2008 .
All rights reserved. |
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