Loy Krathong, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an annual festival in the country of Thailand. It takes place on the evening of the full moon on the 12th month of the traditional lunar calendar, which in the Western calendar is the month of November. 'Loy Krathong' directly to float a basket or lamp. During the festival, people float beautiful baskets with banana leaves, incense, and a candle down the river. Could you imagine witnessing this beautiful and colorful scene during a full moon?
Fun Facts about Loy Krathong Festival
- The mythical Nang Nopphamat, companion to the Thai King Leothai, is said to be the first person to have released a decorated boat in the water in the 14th century.
- The festival is a traditional time for 'Nopphamat Queen Contests' where Thai girls participate in pageants to honor Queen Nopphamat with their poise, beauty, and lip-synching talent!
- Loy Krathong is also important in some Buddhist traditions as a time to let go of grudges and other burdens by floating them away and making a symbolic offering to the goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongka.
- People gather around lakes, rivers, or canals to release the lotus-shaped krathongs.
- Krathongs are made from natural materials - a section of a banana tree trunk, banana leaves, coconut shells, flowers, baked bread, and even potato slices.
Celebrate Loy Krathong with this fun, downloadable and free coloring page, and don't miss our Loy Krathong 'Seek-N-Find' puzzle!
Leave a comment