Page 47 - เธเธฃเธฐเน€เธเธ“เธตเธชเธเธเธฃเธฒเธเธ•เน
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On 15th April, it is called โ€Wan Rapchaomueangmaiโ€ (New governor welcoming day).
This is the day to welcome the new assigned city guardian angel to replace the old one. In
this day, people dress with new cloths and ornaments then make merit at the temple.
Furthermore, Southern people also have similar activities to other regions such as set
birds and fishes free, build a sand dune pagoda, and splash water. In the past, there are singer
troupes to sing along the way to each community and village. The song they use is the legend
of Songkran or other songs up to host request.
Central region, Songkran tradition in central region has similar main activities to other
region such as house and tool cleaning before Songkran day. In โ€Wan sukdipโ€ (The day before
Songkran day), people prepare food and dessert to make merit at the temple and offer to the
monks which the food and dessert consist of Khao Chae (Rice in ice water with sidedishes),
Khaoniao Daeng (Red sticky rice), Kalamae (Caramel like dessert), Lotchong (Rice noodles with
coconut crรจme), etc.
Moreover, there are activities such as make merit for ancestral spirits, water pouring
ceremony for Buddha images and monks, water pouring ceremony for elders, local plays,
Songkran festival, parades, carry sand into the temple and build sand dune pagoda, etc.
What NOT to do during Songkran
As water throwing has become popular during Songkran, it is recommended that the
following practice is avoided:
The use of dirty water, ice, mixture of dangerous items such as paint, dye and plant
seeds, etc. may cause injuries to other peopleโ€s eyes or other parts of their body.
Throwing water at people who are riding on moving vehicles such as motorcycles, cars
etc. may cause serious accidents.
Using modified gadgets like PVC pump tube which produces high water pressure could
cause serious injuries to others. Lewd acts such as applying powder paste on othersโ€ face,
especially femalesโ€, inappropriate physical contacts and touching are unacceptable.
Too much alcohol consumption, especially in public places could cause annoyance
and unrests. Moderate drinking with friends and families in oneโ€s own privacy is preferred.
Driving after drinking causes fatal road accidents every year.
Songkran Tradition เน‘เน—
