"สวัสดีปีใหม่" (sa-wat-dee pee mai)
Happy New Year in Thai
The days from April 13th to the 15th are very special all over Thailand. Songkran, or New Year's for the Thais, is the most important holiday in the country.
Songkran was a Northern Thailand festival that is now celebrated all over Thailand since the mid-20th century.
Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city, is the prime spot in the whole country to celebrate Songkran where it lasts for six days or more.
Songkran was originally celebrated as a time to show respect to elders but the celebration has taken a whole new twist, both for Thais and foreigners.
Songkran is largely celebrated with water, a lot of water. Thais and falangs (foreigners) alike throw water at each other in public, at friends and strangers alike, using water pistols, pails and garden hoses. This has inevitably led to a party atmosphere in the main sections of most cities all over Thailand. Aside from water, mentholated talc is also used to mark people's faces.
There is the spiritual aspect of Songkran, loyal to its origins. People go to temples (wats) to pray and give alms to the monks as well as cleanse images of Buddha.
Songkran is also celebrated in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and certain parts of China.
**The author spent Songkran 2011 in Pattaya, Thailand and got really, really drenched. Two thumbs up. Just be careful on the road as there is an increase in the number of motor vehicle accidents this time of the year. **
Songkran is largely celebrated with water, a lot of water. Thais and falangs (foreigners) alike throw water at each other in public, at friends and strangers alike, using water pistols, pails and garden hoses. This has inevitably led to a party atmosphere in the main sections of most cities all over Thailand. Aside from water, mentholated talc is also used to mark people's faces.
There is the spiritual aspect of Songkran, loyal to its origins. People go to temples (wats) to pray and give alms to the monks as well as cleanse images of Buddha.
Songkran is also celebrated in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and certain parts of China.
If you don't plan to get wet this time of the year, best stay in your hotel room because this is one holiday Thais love to wholeheartedly get into the spirit of.
If you plan to have amazing fun, go out there with the biggest water pistol you can find. Be sure to keep your cash and cellphone in waterproof bags! Oh, and wear non-slip shoes.
**The author spent Songkran 2011 in Pattaya, Thailand and got really, really drenched. Two thumbs up. Just be careful on the road as there is an increase in the number of motor vehicle accidents this time of the year. **
To find out more information about Thailand and Southeast Asian traditions, check out this resources:
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Take 30% off select gift books for 4 days only!
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