Thailand Coins
Loy Krathong In Thailand
Loi Krathong is an annual celebration in Thailand. It takes place on the night of full moon in the 12th month of the lunar calendar, which is usually in November. “Loi” means to float and “Krathong” is traditionally made from banana stem, but you can also use bread or styrofoam. A Krathong is decorated by folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks and is formed like a lotus flower. A coin or some locks of hair are added as offering to the river spirits. This is traditionally done to ask for the river spirits forgiveness in polluting the rivers. During the full moon, Thais will let their Krathong float on the river, canal, pond or lake. They believe that this will carry bad luck and sin away from them. They first make wishes before letting the Krathong float down the river. It is such an amazing sight to see where the river is lighted with thousands of Krathong.
After knowing the significance of Loi Krathong, let us try to know how to make a Krathong boat. All we need is:
- A sliced stem of banana stem or trunk
- Lotus flowers
- Roses (different kinds but red is preferred)
- Marigold flowers
- Banana leaves
- Incense sticks
- Candles
- Staples or glue for securing the flowers and leaves together
Note: If banana trees are not available you can improvise by using bread or Styrofoam.
How to Assemble:
- Cut the banana leaves into strips (must be narrow)
- Shape it into triangles. This will be use to form a coronet as base for the Krathong.
- Form the triangle leaves into a crown shape. Fix it with staples and glue.
- Fill the center of the crown with more banana leaves and this will become the base of your Krathong.
- Then, be creative by decorating it with different flowers.
- Then put incense sticks and candles.
After assembling your Krathong test it if it floats. You can also add fireworks to add spice to it and some coins or hair locks as offering for the river spirits.
This tradition goes way back for centuries as a sign of respect to the spirits. And it will continue until the next generations. So next time you visit Thailand, try to see and experience the beauty of Loi Krathong.
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Vlog 15 – Thai Baht Banknotes & Coins