Songkran - The Water Festival
By Patty Wong
Once again, we are at the threshold of Songkran - the Water Festival. And water being a very important aspect of life, it is no wonder that Thais, mainly an agricultural society, hold it in such high regard. So high, in fact, that it marks the beginning of their traditional New Year. This makes Songkran, probably, the most joyful and fun filled occasion in Thailand.
From a foreigner's standpoint, nothing seemingly reflects the Thai people's love for pomp and ritual than the Songkran. As a fun - loving and spiritual people, Thais make it a point that Songkran exhibits both solemn ritual and festivity. Being a national holiday, it is officially observed on the 13th of April, and celebrated all over the country. Thais usually make sure that they spend this time with their families or in their repective hometowns.
The solemn ritualistic side of Songkran can be seen in Buddhist Temples, where the principal Buddha image is usually exhibited and respect fully sprinkled with water, also making sands stupas in the Temple courtyards, releasing fish and birds to receive blessings, and presenting of ferings to the monks. Houses are throughly cleaned on the morning of the first day and young family members pour water over the hands of elders as sign of respect.
On the other hand, the pomp side of Songkran, which is all too - familiar with residents farangs (or expats) or frequent visitors, is as essential to the Thais as their tradition. It has even come to be a modern tradition in itself, among Thais and farangs. The veriety in which this executed is as diverse as the people who celebrate them.
In
PostNuke and PostNukeThai coverage in Bangkok Post
I think most of us probably notice this already that recently (May 8, 2002) PostNuke and PostNukeThai websites have been covered by a Bangkok Post 's (Wednesday) Database section as a comprehensive news coverage. So here I would like to point out to the web article (shorten version) in case someone have not read its paper version. Thai developer makes open source push
Anothern thing that you will miss from the "tree-version" is the handsome picture of the wesmaster. ;-)
I expect the popularity of PN will increase among the Thai popolation, based on the increased article counters at PostNukeThai which we all can see
more conservative places, people respectfully ask if they clab some water on the forehead of another. However, in the opposite extreme, Pattaya has been famous with having a whole week celebration of the Songkran.
Water cannons, buckets and water gun, are but a few weapons of choice in Pattaya, all ready to drench anyone and everyone in water (hopefully!) in the name of (good) clean fun. With no less than religious fervor, people locals and farangs alike seek out passers - by and drench them out to their heart content.... nad hopefully not getting too carried away.
However, such madness isn't for everyone and some would opt to miss out on this....uhm...unique experience.
Here are some articles to start with...
| Thai baht By wikipedia The baht (Thai: บาท, symbol ฿, ISO 4217 code THB) is the currency of Thailand. It is subdivided into 100 satang (สตางค์). The issuance of currency is the responsibility of the Bank of Read more... |
Offshore Weddings By Bridget Cull Who would have thought getting married in exotic wedding destinations could be cheaper and easier to organise Read more... |
| thailand news: |
wild ginger thai restaurant
wild ginger thai restaurant Links.thai ginger seattle
thai ginger seattle online.