Loy Krathong

What is Loy Krathong?

Loy Krathong is marked by the making and floating of krathong, which are small, buoyant baskets. Traditionally, these are crafted from a slice of banana tree trunk or spider lily and decorated with folded banana leaves, flowers, incense sticks, and a candle. Some modern krathong are made of bread, which dissolves in water and can be eaten by fish. On the night of the full moon, people gather by rivers, canals, or ponds to float their krathong, often making a wish as they do so. The sight includes candle-lit baskets drifting on water, fireworks, and sometimes beauty contests and lantern displays.

Where does Loy Krathong come from?

The roots of Loy Krathong trace back to Hindu and Brahmanical practices from India, brought to Southeast Asia during the Khmer Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries. The festival was originally practiced by elites in Bangkok and became widespread in Thailand after World War II, partly to promote national identity and tourism. Its name means 'to float a ritual vessel or lamp,' and the act of floating krathong is a way to thank the water goddess. Similar festivals are found in Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India, reflecting shared cultural traditions.

How Loy Krathong is made

A krathong is made by cutting a slice from a banana tree trunk or using bread as a base. The base is decorated with folded banana leaves, flowers, three incense sticks, and a candle. Sometimes a coin or personal items like nail clippings are added. The krathong is then floated on water, usually at night during the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month. Large krathong are made for competitions, and organizations may launch elaborate versions.

When and where Loy Krathong is used

Loy Krathong is celebrated by families, friends, and communities across Thailand and in other countries with South Western Tai cultures. People float krathong to thank the water goddess and to symbolically let go of anger and misfortune. The festival includes public events, lantern displays, and sometimes beauty contests. In Chiang Mai, it coincides with the Yi Peng lantern festival, where sky lanterns are released. The date changes each year, usually falling in November.

Forms of Loy Krathong

In northern Thailand, Loy Krathong coincides with Yi Peng, which features the release of sky lanterns. In Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar, similar festivals take place under different names, with local customs and decorations. In Cambodia, it is called Bon Om Touk, and in Sri Lanka, Il Full Moon Poya. The materials and style of krathong can vary, with some regions using more elaborate decorations or different plant bases.

What Loy Krathong means

Loy Krathong holds both religious and cultural meaning. It is a way to honor the water goddess and the Buddha, and to let go of negativity. The candle on the krathong venerates the Buddha, while floating the basket symbolizes releasing past troubles. The festival has become a symbol of Thai identity and is a major attraction for visitors. It is also linked to ancient water and harvest rites, and has inspired similar festivals in neighboring countries.

The flowers of Loy Krathong

Poison bulbA large white-flowered lily grown in warm gardens, toxic if eatenLycorisBulb flowers of Asia, known for their bright blooms and leafless stemsNerineBulbous perennials with wavy pink to red flowers from southern AfricaVirginia spiderwortA clump-forming wildflower with blue, purple, pink, or white blooms

Traditions that use it

Days and festivals

Questions people ask about Loy Krathong

Good reading and sources

• Loy Krathong on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data