34 | Culture Ways of Life and Wisdom
The current creation of magnificent Krathongs is
originated from the banana leaf Krathong, as firstly evident in
the Royal Chronicle (Praratcha Phongsawadan) in the reign
of King Rama III that Princess Vilas created a Krathong to
play every year. Afterwards, the culture was distributed to
Bangkok and the area in the Chao Phraya watershed. Its
popularity was widespread across the country in 1957.
The ties with streams and awareness of shared
benefits for living together create graceful traditions such
as the Loy Krathong, which reflects the water bounded
culture and the river apology tradition of mankind. These
come with a hope that all community members will continue
preserving water resources as long as possible.
Loy Krathong Festivals in the
Four Regions of Thailand
Northern Region
The Loy Krathong of the Northern Thailand is most
likely celebrated on the full moon day of the second month
(December or January, based on the lunar calendar). But at the
present the festival is held on the 15 th day of the second
waxing moon, with great celebrations in many provinces,
such as Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng Festival (the word “Yi” means
“second month”), Loy Krathong Festival in Tak province,
Long Sa Pao Festival in Lampang and Loy Krathong and
Candle Festival in Sukhothai province.