The Ancient Customs and Traditions of Songkran
There are three aspects to SongkranApril 13th - The First Day
On the first day, April 13th, various activities are undertaken to "send off" the outgoing year. In the morning, merit-making rituals are performed and offerings are made to the Buddhist monks. Spring-cleaning and personal cleansing are also part of this "renewal" process. Later in the day, Buddha images are bathed with lustral water in a gesture of respect. The religious ceremonies include a procession of Buddha images through the city streets offering an opportunity for residents of the community to take part in the bathing rites. An annual "Miss Songkran" parade and floral floats are part of the popular festivities held to greet the Thai new year.April 14th - The Second Day
On April 14th, the day when the position of the sun is mid-way between Pisces and Aries, merit-making continues in the morning with offerings being made to Buddhist monks. The world-famous Songkran water-splashing festive fun takes place all day helping revellers to beat the summer heat. In the evening, sand is brought to the temples for the building of sand castles which are then decorated with colourful flags and flowers. The practice reflects an ancient belief that when an individual walks away from the temple, particles of sand from the temple grounds are inadvertently carried away on one's shoes or sandals. The building of sand castles for the temple is seen to be a practical way of replacing the sand lost and a merit-making act through which blessings are earned.
April 15th - The Third Day
The Thai New Year falls on April 15th. Typical merit-making rites performed on this day include the presentation of food and other offerings to Buddhist monks at the temples; donations are made; fishes and birds are released; and a bathing ritual is observed whereby lustral water is poured over respected elders in a gesture of respect and reverence. The seeking of their blessing or forgiveness for past wrong-doing is also implied.Additionally it is believed that through these acts of merit-making, loved ones, long-departed are endowed with Songkran are principally performed to bring good luck and prosperity. The rituals are also acts of gratitude and indebatedness undertaken in the memory of those who have passed on to another world.
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