In the coming week, Thailand will celebrate Songkran.
"Songkran is a Sanskrit word in Thai form which means the entry of the sun into any sign of the Zodiac. But the Songkran in this particular instance is when the sun enters the sign of Aries or the Ram. Its full name is Maha Songkran or Major Songkran to distinguish it from the other ones. But the people call it simply the Songkran for it is the only one they know and in which they take interest. It is their traditional New Year when they can enjoy their holidays to the full with no economic hindrance. Songkran is a fixable feast on the solar calender. It begins on the 13th April and ends on the 15th April, but occasionally in certain years on the 16th April."
We have been told that the highlight is people running around squirting and pouring water on each other. There are water guns for sale everywhere!! It's supposed to be taken as a blessing when someone douses you with water, and good, wet fun on these hot and humid days. I've even heard that you must keep your car windows up and your car doors locked or people may "bless" you while you are on the road. Sounds like a dripping good time, right!?
Well, we won't be here for the blessings this year. The family is off to Vietnam tomorrow for a week's vacation! 2 nights in Hanoi and 5 in the Da Nang/Hoi An area. Lots of fun stuff planned, a beautiful country to see, and yummy food to try. Maybe we'll stick around for the blessings next year!
Will be sure to blog and share stories and photos!
No comments:
Post a Comment