Loy Krathong

Happy first day of Advent! Hard to believe it is already December. Where did November go?

In honour of our American friends, we celebrated American Thanksgiving (or as we like to call it: Canadian Thanksgiving Part Deux). This time my friend Heidi hosted it at her place.

Andy, a new friend, and Andy's brother! Brian arrived just over a week ago, and will be hanging out with us for the next six months.

We had another delicious Thanksgiving meal, complete with homemade pies.

And a cake that survived the night untouched.
Nothing could compare to the pies.

The view from Heidi's balcony. Giant floats (boats) have been preparing for upcoming Thai holidays, by doing test runs up and down the river, blasting music and fireworks.

On Wednesday, all of Thailand celebrated Loy Krathong. We did activities all day at school, and then I celebrated some more in the evening in our apartment complex. Loy Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lundar calendar. Thais make decorative floats (krathongs) made of banana leaves or bread, covered in flowers. Incense and candles are lit in the middle, and they are set off to float on rivers. The candles venerate the Buddha with light, and the krathong is to symbolize letting go of all one's hatred and anger. Sometimes people cut their fingernails or hair and put the clipping on the Krathong as a symbol of letting go of negative thoughts. A small coin is occasionally included as an offering to the river spirits. People also use the krathongs to thank the Goddess of Water.

Wearing a traditional dress for the special occasion. 

The students spent the morning at school playing traditional Thai games. 

Teachers played too!

Some very inventive games indeed.

Like sitting on a heap of shoes while children try to grab them.

We learned how to make boats with banana leaves.

And krathongs with lotuses.

The start of my krathong.

At the end of the day, we all took turns releasing our krathongs in the school pond.

Many of the students wore elaborate gowns.

Rather than trying to battle the crazy downtown traffic, Andy, Brian, and myself opted to celebrate in our apartment complex instead.

We saw clowns.

Carnival inspired games.

And a ferris wheel.

The boys had coconut ice cream in a bun.

There were even some performances.
Not as big as the free Gangnam Style concert downtown that night though (yes, we opted out on that one).

If you didn't have time to make a krathong, you could buy one.

We each released one in the Metro Park lake.

I would have loved to be in Chiang Mai during Loy Krathong, where the people release floating lanterns.
(Image taken from http://benjiinteriors.wordpress.com)