Thais are somewhat similar to Russians. They also love to celebrate, and they do it on a grand scale. Suffice it to say that they celebrate the New Year three times. Perhaps we should be interested in this idea.
Instructions
Step 1
First, the new year comes to this country on the night of January 1. Keeping up with the Europeans, Thais are happy to decorate the Christmas tree, put on fireworks and arrange fun mass festivities. It is worth noting that earlier in Thailand, the New Year was celebrated according to the Buddhist calendar. Then the holiday was celebrated in December. In January, there is practically no rain in the Land of Smiles, and the temperature is about 25 degrees. So the celebration on the street is quite comfortable for tourists from Europe.
Step 2
Due to the large number of Chinese living in Thailand, the traditions of this people imperceptibly entered the life of the indigenous population. Thais celebrate the New Year on a grand scale in Chinese, that is, in accordance with the lunar calendar. It has no fixed date and is celebrated from January 20th to February 20th. These days, the streets of Thailand are filled not only with people, but also dragons, snakes, lions. Of course, in the form of giant figures that symbolize good luck, wealth, nobility and courage. Firecrackers explode, fireworks are launched, driving away unkind spirits and calling the spirits of prosperity into the houses. During three holidays people willingly go to visit and present each other with envelopes of red and yellow color, in which there is money.
Step 3
Two months later, it is time for the main New Year's holiday of the Thais. It is called Songkran or Wang Songkran, which is celebrated from 13 to 15 April. And even longer in the provinces. These days the weather is hot up to 35-40 degrees. The Thais explain this by a legend, according to which the Thai boy turned out to be so smart that he defeated the Fire God, depriving him of his head. In such hot weather, it is a very successful tradition to water each other with water in order to bestow happiness and prosperity. Previously, they sprayed moisture from bowls, now from hoses and water cannons. And some of them take elephants out into the street for this purpose.
Step 4
On Songkran, lamas come to homes for a ritual of cleansing from the problems that have accumulated over the year. Small coins, food leftovers, candles, red dough figurines are collected in special bowls. In the evening, the bowl is taken away and left in deserted places. You cannot look back when leaving, otherwise the problems will return to the house again. Thais themselves visit the temples, bringing with them a handful of sand and gifts to the monks. The latter are delicious food and new robes.
