Beliefs in Loi Krathong Day and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Understanding the Significance and Traditions of Loi Krathong Day and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Loi Krathong Day is an annual celebration in Thailand, where people release floating lanterns onto the water to ask for forgiveness, express gratitude, and make merit. In the northern region of Thailand, the celebration is known as the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. This festival involves releasing lanterns into the sky, symbolizing the release of negativity and worshiping Phra Upakut, a revered figure who is believed to have practiced mystical spells in the depths of the sea. Understanding the beliefs in Loi Krathong Day and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival can enrich your experience of these captivating traditions.

Beliefs in Loi Krathong Day:

• Loi Krathong to ask for forgiveness from Phra Mae Ganga: People release krathongs into the water to seek forgiveness from Phra Mae Ganga, the guardian of the Ganges and other water sources. This gesture acknowledges the harm caused by human pollution and honors the life-giving properties of water.
• Loi Krathong to worship the gods: The festival is rooted in Brahmanism, with the floating lanterns symbolizing offerings to the gods Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, as well as the Buddha's footprint on the Nammada River. In northern Thailand, the ceremony is believed to honor Phra Upakudta Thera, who practiced incantations in the depths of the sea.
• Cut the ends of the hair and nails into the Krathong: Placing cut hair and nail clippings into the krathong symbolizes the release of misfortune, suffering, and negativity from one's life.
• Put money in the Krathong: Inserting money into the krathong is believed to attract wealth and financial prosperity.
• Upside-down Krathong: Many believe that an overturned krathong signifies bad luck or misfortune. However, this is more of a personal belief as strong currents or winds can cause the krathong to flip.
• Take a bath under the moonlight: Bathing under the full moon on Loi Krathong Day is thought to wash away bad energy and bring prosperity. It is also believed to give the skin a soft, moonlit glow.

The Beliefs of the Sky Lantern Festival: The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the second Lanna month, which corresponds to the twelfth Thai month. Also known as "Kite Hom" or "Smoke Kite," the tradition involves using a thin cloth to create floating lanterns that are released into the air in honor of Phra Upakut. This practice aligns with the beliefs of the Burmese people and signifies the release of negativity and the accrual of merit.

In conclusion, the beliefs in Loi Krathong Day and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival are deeply rooted in Thai and Lanna cultures. These beautiful and meaningful events offer participants a chance to connect with ancient traditions, release negativity, and make merit for a brighter future.