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Cj's first krathong

In November last year, I introduced Cj to Loy Krathong, a lovely water festival celebrated on the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai traditional lunar calendar, commonly known as November in the western world calendar. Last weekend was the anniversary of Cj's Loy Krathong experience. 'Loy' means to float; and krathong is the Thai word for that thing Cj is holding on the photos below.

We didn't have time to go far. Traffic was so jammed it took hours just to get to the rivers. Busy Bangkokians usually settle for bodies of water they find near them in the city. Those in extreme situations float their Krathongs on swimming pools. I decided on a convenient location - the pond of Queen Sirikit Park on Sukhumvit Road.

There are many versions of krathongs that Thais float on Krathong eve. Cj's krathong is made from a banana trunk, covered with coconut leaves and decorated with orchids in the top middle. There's a candle to light and three incense sticks on it. Last year the raft of my krathong was a flower bread. The fish welcomed it with open mouths. It didn't last long in the water.

People make a wish as they float their krathongs. As Cj looks bored, I didn't bother him that much about making a wish. I could have been in trouble if he told me. My wish though is to float my krathong in Chiangmai where the festival is a big deal; one huge party.

They say when your candle light is not extinguished while your krathong floats away, your wish is granted. I don't know whether it's true or not. I celebrate Loy Krathong just for the fun of it and took Cj along although he didn't seem to be in the mood. I'm lucky he didn't run away from the camera. I was also after the chow afterwards of course. What would Loy Krathong be without food?

I let him watch the birds first before going home. Or before striding in to that light brown building in the background. That's an upscale mall where we ate. Hmmm... yum! Eating is indeed one of my major talents (lol).

~ Ebie and Arlene host Our Weekend Memoirs ~

Comments

Willa said…
That was an interesting info and your son look so serious about it.
Al said…
Hi Hazel, first time I have heard about Krathong, is it something like a thanksgiving festival?

It's good that you're familiarizing CJ with festivals, which some parents neglected to do with their kids. I know CJ had learned something and same with me. Thanks for sharing.

AL
Al said…
Hi Hazel, was my comment published, something happened and I thought something was not responding anyway I'll rewrite it.

Is Krathong something like a thanksgiving festival? I am glad that you are familiarizing CJ with festivals, which sometimes some parents neglected to do with their kids. I know CJ has learned something from you and same with me. Thanks for sharing.
Hazel said…
Al, it's a tribute to the Goddess of Water - Phra Mae Kongka
Anya said…
Interesting
and he looks really bored :-)
Its maybe more for girls
LOL
Have a nice sunday Hazel
It rains here Cats & Dogs :(
EJ said…
That is very nice to know, i love the last shot of your son with the pigeons.. I think his wishes will be granted..

Check out the FUN at our end.
Mitch said…
Wow! I learned something new today!
Chubskulit Rose said…
Ano kaya ang wish mo hehehe.. Great pics sis and thanks for sharing the info.

MY OWM
Anonymous said…
OMG...your killing me here LOL "that thing Cj is holding on the photos below" Too funny. Do you make the Loy Krathong or do you buy them already made? It is beautiful. And do you happen to have a picture of it floating on the water? I thought damn woman...where is it on the water? LOL Great pictures. CJ looks like "Look what my mom is making me do" LOL. So cute :)
Hazel said…
Anya, yeah he must have preferred the girls, not Mommy :-)

Joops, I too wish his wishes will be granted

Mitch, glad you did

chubs, wish ko lagi yong Chiangmai sis, pa charing effect ba hahahaha!

Thom, we buy them already made. I had a laughing fit with the
"thing" i'm leaving it as it is rofl ... you couldn't be more right with your interpretation of CJ's facial expressions =)
Anonymous said…
Ah...thanks for sharing that you buy them. They are beautiful. I'm glad you are leaving it. I'm still laughing every time I think about it. So perfect. And CJ...you can just see it on his face...what we put our kids through...LOL.
Ebie said…
Haz, I could hear Cj saying, look, mom, you made me carry this! Well, I should know this festival because there are 3 Thai staff working here, and very religious. Also there is a Thai Temple just 5 miles away from me. And of course we have a little Thai Town accessible by train.
Your bird photos just look my pigeons at our Library Gardens when people throw food at them to feed them!

I hope both your wishes will come true.
Arlene said…
I like to play with ceejay there! and hey, ive never been to this park but have seen the park (the fountain) from the hotel window. i even took photo of the fountain. And i guess am right - that one of the tall buildings ahead is the hotel where we stayed when "he" came to visit. lol! oh my gimingaw na nuon ko. lol!
Hazel said…
Thanks, Ate Eb na mao, I do think Cj doesn't get my enthusiasm for the festival

Len, nahhh lol! that building is not a hotel at all. And forget him, will yah? :-)

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