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The celebration of the Thai New Year is accompanied by a water festival, which tourists from different parts of the world wish to visit. Songkran (also called the Thai New Year) intertwined Buddhist, family and modern traditions. That is why tourists are interested in when the holiday will be celebrated in order to prepare in advance and plan the trip.
When will be celebrated
Thais can be called unique people, since they celebrate the New Year 3 times:
- Together with European countries (January 1). Holiday on the streets of cities, in hotels and other institutions is more arranged for tourists. For local residents, it does not really matter.
- According to the Chinese calendar. Together with other peoples, Thais meet the arrival of a new animal protector according to the eastern horoscope. Date changes annually.
- Songkran The traditional festival of Thailand, which has ancient roots and established traditions. Translated from Sanskrit as "transition".
Important! Thai New Year in 2020 will be celebrated on April 13-15. In some regions, festivities begin from 11 and continue until April 17-19.
And although the holiday is associated with the lunar calendar, since it marks the transition of the Sun from the constellation Pisces to the constellation Aries, its date is fixed, and therefore does not change from year to year. Regardless of the days of the week in Thailand, April 13-15 is an official weekend. The authorities approved a decree so that city residents can go to their relatives living in distant provinces.
Origin
The holiday is rooted in ancient India. It was there that there was a tradition of watering each other with water. This symbolized the arrival of the rainy season. For the eastern peoples, this time of year is of great importance, since heavy rainfall is the key to a good rice crop. This product is the main one in the diet of people living in the East.
Gradually, the water festival spread to all the peoples of Indochina, including Thailand. Over time, he was closely intertwined with local traditions. Today, Songkran is celebrated not only in Thailand, but also in neighboring countries. And even after centuries, the Thais retained the ancient rites.
Water festival
Songkran celebration is a fun event that spans the whole country. Its main highlight is the festival of water. They usually arrange it on the second day, that is, on April 14, although traditions in different regions may vary slightly.
During the festival, people go out into the streets with big companies and have real water fights. They pour water on each other from water pistols, bowls, buckets and other utensils. Huge barrels filled with water are installed on the streets. Pickups with filled containers also drive through the streets. People who sit in them, water passers-by with water. The holiday is accompanied by cheerful laughter and joyful cries, no one leaves it dry.
The rite of pouring water has a deep sacred meaning. Thais believe that in this way they wash away the dirt in the literal and figurative sense. In other words, they purify the body and soul. During the festival, people also sprinkle each other with talcum powder or clay. These substances are used as hygiene products in the country, that is, they help cleanse the soul and body. Locals believe that the more a person is doused, the more prosperity and happiness awaits him next year.
Some tips for tourists
If your holiday in Thailand coincided with the celebration of Songkran, you should use the following tips:
- Going outside, choose light clothing that does not fade.
- Phone, camera and documents should be well protected from water.
- Do not bring along a handbag, backpack or other accessories.
- It is advisable to stock up with water guns or suitable utensils in advance if there is a desire to participate in the festival.
- Women and girls should abandon makeup, because it will quickly wash out of water.
- When traveling on a bike, you need to drive at a low speed. The road surface is very wet and slippery. In addition, festival participants in a crowd can start pouring, and therefore it will be difficult to stay on a scooter.
If there is no desire to get wet, then it is better not to go outside, since it is impossible to stay dry.
Other traditions
Preparation for the holiday begins in a few days. 3 days before Songkran, the Thais conduct the next rite. They collect leftover food from the table, collect rags and old things, carry everything to the wasteland and throw it away. At the same time they say the words: “Get out of here!”. So they clean their homes from all the bad. On the eve of the holiday, local residents are sure to sing New Year's prayers. Some invite the llama to him to conduct a rite of purification at home.
Since Thai New Year has a religious meaning, on the first day of the celebration, locals will definitely go to the temple. In specially designated places in the city, monks sit. Thais bring them treats wrapped in palm leaves. Their women are preparing on the eve of Songkran according to special ancient recipes. Alms to the monks are regarded as reverence for the Buddha.
Another long-standing New Year’s custom in Thailand is the ritual bathing of the Buddha figurine. Upon returning from the temple, the Thais must water the figure of the spiritual teacher with water from jasmine leaves and flowers. To show respect for elders, younger family members pour hands on them.
Songkran is a family holiday. Relatives gather at one table, congratulate each other, exchange news and plans for the future. Slow conversations, including on philosophical topics, can continue throughout the day. Thais do not forget about the deceased relatives. The holiday ends with a general prayer for the repose of their souls.
As the New Year in Thailand is celebrated: video
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