Last Day in Bangkok Mr Mark has less than 24 hours in Bangkok left. It is 3 pm here and about 4 am, he and his mom head for the airport. Once more he gave away most of his belongings and packed up his clothes and a few gifts that readers of the blog sent him and is prepared to head for the states. He is very sad to leave Bangkok and his doctors here after 21 months of treatment. His doctors have done a wonderful job of keeping him alive. Mark was scheduled for a last minute check at the hospital today but cancelled it saying he needed to save that 100 dollars and he was going on the plane no matter what anyway. Last night he got exhausted with just a small amount of shopping three blocks away and had to come home in the taxi, so I contacted the airport and arranged a wheelchair. He may not use it, but we will be prepared. Wish us luck and good karma as we take off on our 24 hour journey home.
November 8, 2006
Recent Loy Kathong Festival in Thailand Mark was too sick to go to the Loy Kathong Festival this year on Nov. 5th . He planned to go and wanted to go, but he was in too much pain and tired. He went last year. Mom went this year with friends.
This festival, sometimes called yee ping or the festival of lights, has been celebrated since the 13th century and it is believed by some that a young queen Nang Noppamous in ancient Kingdom of Sukhothai made the first small boat with candles and incense and floated it away on the water. Some people believe the ceremony is to express gratitude to the goddess of the water for use of the water and for poluting it and for providing the bounty that comes from the water. Others think it originated as a ceremony to show respect to the Lord Buddha's footprint on the beach of Narmaha River located in India and to the great serpent and creatures of the lower water world.
Loy means to float and Krathong is the lotus shaped man made creations that float on the water. The Krathong is made of layers of the trunk of the banana tree and banana leaves and other plants and flowers and holds a candle and incense both of which are lighted before making wishes and floating it away. This is considered a very romantic occasion for couples as those who wish together are believed to stay together thereafter. Some people put coins on the Krathong and some have told me that they put a bit of hair or nail clippings on the Krathong and believe it floats away their troubles. Large balloon lanterns are also floated away through the air in hopes troubles will float away. This festival is on the full moon day of the 12th lunar month usually in November when the rivers are at their highest level and the moon is bright. (see This Thailand.com Website for more information about the festival.)
This festival, sometimes called yee ping or the festival of lights, has been celebrated since the 13th century and it is believed by some that a young queen Nang Noppamous in ancient Kingdom of Sukhothai made the first small boat with candles and incense and floated it away on the water. Some people believe the ceremony is to express gratitude to the goddess of the water for use of the water and for poluting it and for providing the bounty that comes from the water. Others think it originated as a ceremony to show respect to the Lord Buddha's footprint on the beach of Narmaha River located in India and to the great serpent and creatures of the lower water world.
Loy means to float and Krathong is the lotus shaped man made creations that float on the water. The Krathong is made of layers of the trunk of the banana tree and banana leaves and other plants and flowers and holds a candle and incense both of which are lighted before making wishes and floating it away. This is considered a very romantic occasion for couples as those who wish together are believed to stay together thereafter. Some people put coins on the Krathong and some have told me that they put a bit of hair or nail clippings on the Krathong and believe it floats away their troubles. Large balloon lanterns are also floated away through the air in hopes troubles will float away. This festival is on the full moon day of the 12th lunar month usually in November when the rivers are at their highest level and the moon is bright. (see This Thailand.com Website for more information about the festival.)
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