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W
ho is
Nang
Songkran?
In the old days, when mass communications was somewhat
limited, in order to help the illiterate learn on which day of the week
Songkran was, a story on the origin of Nang Songkran or Songkran
Goddesses was created. It was said that Tao Kabilaprom had seven
daughters, known collectively as Nang Songkran.
In a gambling game that he lost to Thammakumarn, Tao
Kabilaprom had to pay his debt with his head. However, his head
must not come into contact with the ground, air or water because
it would cause catastrophes. To maintain peace on earth, his head
was placed on a tray which was then taken to Krailad Mountain.
Every year, one of the daughters would bring the head down to
town for procession. Each daughter was unique in her own way and
was identified by her ornaments, choice of weapons and means of
transport symbolized by animals. Since there were seven daughters,
they also served as fairy for each day of the week.