Use candles and paper boats to show your children how to use the power of ritual and symbolism to float their troubles away. At the same time, teach them one of the traditions of the Thai culture.
Celebrate Loi Krathong (loy-kruh-thong) Festival in Thailand with your kids. This holiday is celebrated in Thailand in November each year. “Loy” means “to float” and a “Krathong” is a lotus-shaped banana leaf-boat. The Krathong usually contains a candle, flowers, coins, and three *joss-sticks. See definition for joss sticks below.A full moon in the sky begins the festival. The evening of the full moon, people reverently carry their Krathongs to the nearby rivers.
The candles are lit, and after making a wish, the precious little vessels known as Krathongs are set down on the water. They are allowed to drift away. Regarding them, I particulally like soy wax candles as well as the jar ones and large, white pillar candles. All in all, I have noticed that many folks prefer gel candles as well as other scented types such as the soy wax varieties.In this way, people are offering thanks to the Goddess of water. Significantly, it is believed that the Krathongs carry away bad luck. Also, the wishful intentions people make for the New Year begin. Joy replaces suffering and worry as the vessel floats troubles and bad incidents and memories away. I still prefer the soy wax candles myself overall.
