Jason & April Ruggles

Just Let Go

Posted on 04. Nov, 2009 by Jason in Thai Culture, Thailand

A few days ago was the holiday Loy Kratong. It’s celebrated all over Thailand, but if you’re in Bangkok, you head down to the Chao Phraya river. Which is exactly what we did. We piled into the back of a pick-up truck and tried to make our way through Bangkok traffic. We ended up at the river where under the full moon thousands of people were releasing small rafts with candles into  the river.

Letting go of the candle raft is a symbol of letting go of all one’s anger, hate, grudges, and defilement.
We all want second chances.

Originally a Hindu holiday, (wiki link) it’s been absorbed into Thai culture, both Buddhist and Christian. Because of the full moon, all the shimmering lights, and because lovers always need more holidays, it’s now a romantic holiday as well.

One of the more elaborate rafts you can get.

The Temple of the Dawn on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

We got into a boat and headed down the river to the Temple of the Dawn, where everyone on the boat let go of their rafts.

April and our friend Natt enjoy the fireworks.

Another big part of Loy Krathong is the fireworks.

Letting go of the raft.

Two people send off their rafts.

If your raft touches someone else’s then you’re destined to be with them. If your raft touches your spouse’s, that’s bad for some reason. I’m not sure of the logic behind this one, but whatever.

The rafts fade off into the blackness.

If you want to see pictures of the whole experience, check out our album here… complete with captions.

Tags: culture, Thailand, Travel