Songkran Festival
Thailand’s traditional New Year, known as Songkran, takes place annually from April 13th to 15th according to the Gregorian calendar, typically lasting 3 to 7 days. The Songkran Festival occurs during the hottest time of the year in Thailand. Before the festival, people clean both the interior and exterior of their homes and burn old clothes to ward off bad luck. On the festival day, people go to temples to build sand pagodas, decorate them with colorful flags, and offer flowers to pray for a bountiful harvest. Groups of young men and women, dressed in colorful traditional clothing, play long drums, singing and dancing. Along the streets where the parade passes, faithful men and women walk in procession, sprinkling water mixed with spices from silver bowls onto Buddha statues and the “Songkran Goddess” to pray for a prosperous new year and favorable weather. In the evening, people sprinkle flower-petal-scented water on the arms and backs of their elders to offer their best wishes, and the elders then pour water on the younger generation’s heads, bestowing their blessings.
Loy Krathong
The Loy Krathong Festival is one of Thailand’s most meaningful folk festivals, rich in myth and tradition, and it takes place every year on the night of November. This period follows the rainy season, when the rivers are full, and the moonlight creates a beautiful and serene atmosphere. According to Thai tradition, on the night of Loy Krathong, people craft their own floating lanterns (krathongs) and release them into the river, as a way of expressing their wishes and blessings. Loy Krathong vividly reflects the romantic and enchanting feelings between young men and women in Thailand. On the night of the festival, whether in cities or rural towns, near rivers, canals, or lakes, the water is filled with floating krathongs, their candlelight illuminating the surroundings, creating a beautiful scene where young couples share moments of happiness. The air is filled with the fragrance of flowers and the joyful sounds of the “Loy Krathong” song, making it a festive and joyful celebration.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is a popular form of massage in Thailand, primarily focusing on joint movements. It is simple to learn, moderately challenging, and highly practical. Thai massage places a strong emphasis on stretching the back and waist. The massage therapist works from the toes all the way to the top of the head, following a sequence that starts at the feet and moves toward the heart. The techniques used in Thai massage include pressing, rubbing, pulling, stretching, kneading, and pinching. Thai massage is performed in a kneeling position, with the therapist alternating between their left and right hands. The movements are gentle, even in force, and the speed is moderate, carried out in a specific sequence. After a bath, a Thai therapeutic massage can quickly relieve fatigue, restore energy, enhance the flexibility and vitality of joints and ligaments, and improve joint mobility. It also promotes fluid circulation, helps in disease prevention, and contributes to overall health and beauty.
