Acorn

 

Happy Loy Kratong from the Chiang Mai squirrel!

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

Just back from celebrating Loy Kratong on the Ping river!  Caught the tail end of the parade, floated my kratong and wandered along the riverside watching people release hundreds of khom loy into the night sky. 

One of the reasons why I like Loy Kratong so much is the symbolism of floating your troubles away with the kratong.  I like the idea of letting go of the bad things that have happened during the year and making a wish for better times ahead. 

The kratong is usually made from a cross-section of the stem of a banana tree and decorated with flowers, joss sticks, a candle and sometimes money.  Sometimes they are made of bread.  My favourite kratong this year though was decorated with orchids and had sparklers stuck in it :) 

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

Actually, I've been quirreling around the moat in Chiang Mai by night!  It's two days left until the full moon but people are already celebrating Loy Kratong.  Most of the decorations are in place and the lanterns have been lit.  Each year there are several displays at each corner of the wall surrounding the old part of Chiang Mai, as well as at each gate.  Here are some of my favourites! 

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

I love Chiang Mai in November.  The mornings and evenings are turning chilly and the whole city is awash with beautiful lanterns as preparations for Loy Kratong are under way. 

Loy Kratong is traditionally celebrated on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar.  This year it will be held on 10th of November.  At the same time, Chiang Mai also celebrates the annual Yee Peng Lantern Festival, which is a Lanna (Northern  Thai) custom. 

I just love all the pretty colours - this display of lanterns is from the square in front of the Three Kings Monument and Museum in the center of the old town.  I think I'm going to buy some lanterns to hang up at home!