Happy Songkran…i.e. Thai New Year….i.e. Prepare to Get Soaked!!

April 12th, 2008 at 11:02pm

Yes, it’s the day we’ve all been waiting for here in Thailand, as the heat of the ‘summer’ has been building and building…today finally marks the Thai New Year and usually begins the somewhat less steamy days.

As for the foreigner being in Thailand during this festival, we are the ‘ultimate’ target for water throwing at all times, in all forms. The Thais take great pleasure in dousing the unsuspecting tourists and businessmen during this time. For that reason, many residents choose Songkran as a day to stay home, catch up on reading or watch a video, but basically stay out of the all-day water battles.

I myself have participated in Songkran in Thailand in the past, mainly in Krabi where I drove around with the Thais in the back of a pick-up all day splashing water on everyone from 3 huge drums we had. I must admit it was really good fun! And also because it is so incredibly hot, the water is pretty refreshing!

This time ’round, though, I am choosing to stay away from the masses…and from my bungalow on the sea you would have no idea what’s happening just a few meters away on the road, except for the yelling of the crowds and the traffic and music – it sounds like an all-day water frenzy parade from here.

But I much happier staying out of it this time! All activities at the Spa today were canceled due to the holiday, except for the meditation which I was able to do quite easily, remaining dry during the entire 90-second walk along the beach at 7:30am!!

This is Songkran, the annual water throwing festival, where no one in the country escapes a soaking. Coming at the height of the hot dry season, Songkran is a refreshing opportunity to cool down and have fun. It is also the start of the Thai New Year and a deeply religious event whose roots lie in the ancient solar calendar and farming cycles that trace back hundreds of years.

Traditions
The underlying significance of Songkran is the process of cleansing and purification, both physical and spiritual, with water. This element is present in all aspects of Songkran tradition, from the dowsing of Buddha images in the home and in the temple with lustral water, the splashing of water on friends and relatives and spring-cleaning the home. Ills, misfortune and evil are thus purged and the New Year started afresh with all that is good and pure and with one’s house literally and metaphorically in order.

As well as marking a new beginning, Songkran is also a time for thanksgiving. Individuals are asked to reflect upon the acts of kindness and thoughtfulness each has experienced during the year and to remember how such acts of generosity and compassion bring peace, happiness and well being. Respect to elders is shown by the ceremonial splashing of water.

The religious aspect of the festival sees acts of ‘merit-making’ – donating food and clothing to monks, cleaning and decorating the temple and often releasing caged birds (actually trained to returned to their sellers later) or fish into the rivers. Sand, which visitors are said to carry away on their shoes, is brought back to the temple grounds and elaborate stupas constructed as a form of penance.

Songkran is also the time for reunions and families travel many miles to see each other – this time of the year is also seen as an occasion of reaffirm strong family and community bonds.

As part of the water sprinkling, water splashing and string tying rites, you may also encounter people who smear your face, neck or torso with a white powder or paste. This is one of the oldest Songkran traditions. The paste is a sign of protection and promises to ward off evil.

So Happy New Year to everyone, and when you have your shower today, imagine the Songkran magic cleansing and purifying your spirit for a prosperous, healthy and safe year to come!!

Entry Filed under: Koh Samui,South,Thailand