culture
Left: photo by Wyndham Hollis; Right: photo by John Shedrick
much different. Throwing water is still involved, but the meaning behind it is more religious in nature. Traditionally, Songkran was a Buddhist holiday held to celebrate new beginnings. Throwing water wasn’t entirely for fun—it symbolized a cleansing period and a renewal. “We would have to wear Thai dresses; men and women wouldn’t really touch and would throw water at each other at a really respectable distance,” Chandee says. “It’s not much of a water fight—it’s more like gathering the family and paying respect to our elders. We pour water mixed with jasmine flowers into their hands, wishing them long lives, while they bless us in return.” The elders Chandee mentions can be friends, family members, or monks. To get a true taste for Thai culture, Bhatia recommends that tourists participate in Buddhist celebrations at nearby temples, known as wats, by doing a prayer ceremony and putting some rosewater (a fragrant Thai water) on a Buddha statue. In turn, Bhatia says, Buddha will bless you with good fortune in the year to come. Though the well-known traditions of Songkran involve throwing water, cleansing Buddha statues, and paying tribute to elders, in other parts of Thailand, Songkran carries some
Songkran festivities draw crowds of all ages to the streets to ring in the new year in a wet and wild way.
lesser-known traditions as well. Some carry handfuls of sand to their neighbors in order to represent and compensate for all the dirt they will carry on their feet during the year; others deep clean their house as part of the cleansing period. But throughout the country, the traditional mentality is still the same: the new year is a time for cleansing and renewal. The water fight aspect is still part of the Thai culture; it’s just a more modern take on the holiday. In order
to get a good mix of the celebrations and a true understanding of the holiday, start out by visiting some of the popular Buddhist temples to pay tribute and show respect. Then afterward, grab a bucket, fill it up, and get as many people as possible dripping wet from head to toe with ice-cold water. ▶
songkran2014.com
—Sara Phelps
Celebrating Safely at Songkran ▶ ▶
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Leave all electronics and valuables at home or in your hotel to avoid getting them wet and ruined. It s nearly impossible not to get wet, so plan accordingly. Wearing a swimsuit underneath your clothing might be a good idea. Since Songkran is so popular, it can be difficult to find public transportation. Be prepared for extra traffic and longer travel times. There are always some people who take celebrating a little too far, so remember to be safe by staying with your group. Grab a bucket, maintain a good attitude, and have a great time!
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