Loi Krathong

Last weekend, Thailand celebrated Loi Krathong, a festival traditionally held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, in the western calendar this usually falls in early November. Loi” means “to float”. “Krathong” is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions often use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river or other body of water. The act has been explained to us as both a way of asking forgiveness of the water for taking care of it poorly and as a floating away of one's sins.

Crystal made krathongs with PJ and Emmy, and Tim and Emmy went with several of our neighbors to the pond in our neighborhood. They floated Emmy's krathong and prayed to God, thanking Him for this place and these people. Here's Emmy in her Thai hilltribe costume that our neighbor brought for her to wear for this occasion.