Bangkok

24 November 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

My friend Noy and I celebrated Loi Krathong on Sunday.  Along with thousands of other celebrants we floated our krathong on the Chao Phraya River.

Loi Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the Western calendar this holiday usually falls in November.

"Loi" means "to float" and a "krathong" is traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk. Modern krathongs are more often made of bread.  Regardless of the composition, a krathong will be decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks. A low value coin is sometimes included as an offering to the river spirits.