Songkran Festival: Thai Custom Happy Every People
For individuals who have experienced "Songkran", this traditional Thai custom of merrymaking is one of the Kingdom's most "sanuk" (fun-filled) festival, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm nationwide, and is celebrated once a year on April 13th marking the Thai new year. Known all over the world for its characteristic tradition of water-throwing ranging from a courteous sprinkle or a polite splash, to harmless water pistols and showers from garden hoses to the well-aimed bucket or water-cannon... delivered in a festive spirit. Without a doubt, on the practical side, Songkarn is a refreshing solution to "beating the heat" in the hottest season of the year.However, there is a much deeper significance to "Songkran". Apart from marking a new beginning, Songkran is also a time for thankgiving. It is an important time for individuals to reflect upon the many acts of kindness and thoughtfulness each has personally experienced and to remember how such acts of generosity and compassion bring peace, happiness and well-being to others. Songkran is also the time for reunions and family ties to be renewed. At the heart of each Thai custom and tradition, there is always a "raison d'etre" - a logical reason for its existence. The festive elements of the celebration itself, the cultural values, the social code of conduct and individual belief and practices are intertwined. It can be said that in essence, Songkran embodies the traditional Thai Cultural Values."Songkran" is a word from the Sanskrit language which means to "move into" and refers to the orbit of the sun moving into Aries. It marks the end of a 12-month cycle and the beginnig of a new solar year. Songkran is therefore a New Year celebration. The underlying significance of Songkran is the process of cleaning and purification - the purging of all ills, misfortune and evil and starting the New Year afresh with all that is good and pure. Water is symbolic of the cleaning process and signifies purity.(Continued next Blog...)http://www.SiamBackPack.comLabels: All about Chiang Mai, Fancy holidays celebration, Reccomend all attractive places to go and things to eat and join, Thailand
Songkran - The Water Festival: April 13, 14 & 15
the Songkran activities that take place in various locations around the kingdom are culturally unique and reflect local beliefs and practices. Each activitiy offers varying elements of interest. In Bangkok the traditional Thai New Year is celebrated citywide, most notably at Sanam Luang, the large field in front of the Gran Palace. This is where the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. Wisutkasat is where a Miss Songkarn Beauty Contest is accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road in Banglampoo area is also one of the high-spots in the city where you can experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists. Nearby, Pak Lat Songkran Festival or Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival is a famous and enjoyable festival of the Mon in the Phra Pradeang District. It is held annually on Sunday after April 13. Traditional activities are organised and immensely enjoyed by both locals and visitors.DO & DON'T:DO UnderStand that throwing water at anybody is a happy event during Songkran. It's accepted, in fact expected!!DON'T Turn Violent if someone tries to smear your girlfriend's face. Smearing the face with powder is another aspect of this festival and you have the right to do the sameDO Note that passengers in public buses are the most sought after targets. Buses are ambushed at strategic spots like traffic lightsDO Join In this water-throwing, ice it first if you want :)DO Remember to Call 1155 for Tourist Police for any trouble you face(Continued next Blog...)
http://www.SiamBackPack.comLabels: All about Chiang Mai, Fancy holidays celebration, Reccomend all attractive places to go and things to eat and join, Thailand
Flu strikes suddenly and affects the whole body
Flu is a viral infection that's most common during the winter months. We look at the symptoms it causes and how to prevent it in the first place, including information about vaccinations.Flu (influenza)By: Dr. Rob HicksSource: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/influenza1.shtmlWhat is it?
Influenza, more commonly known as flu, is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus. It's passed on when people breathe in liquid droplets containing the virus that have been sneezed or coughed into the air, or when people touch objects contaminated with the virus. The symptoms, which include fever, headache, cough, sore throat and muscle aches, appear quickly.
Possible complications include pneumonia, which often needs hospital treatment, and death. The virus can cause infections all year round, but it's most common in the winter in the UK. Anyone can get the flu and the more a person is in close contact with people who have the virus, the more likely they are to get it.
Vaccinations
The UK is fortunate to have a safe and effective vaccination against the flu, which is provided free of charge by the NHS. It's recommended for those people at greatest risk of the harm the flu virus can cause.
People who are advised to have a flu vaccination include:
- everyone over the age of 65
- people of any age with lung disease (such as, asthma), heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes or lowered immunity
- anyone living in a residential or nursing home
- carers of those at risk of the complications of the flu
Those most at risk are advised to have a vaccination every year. This is because the flu virus changes slightly every year. Scientists work hard to predict which types will be around and develop vaccines to fight them.
Despite popular belief, the flu vaccination can't give someone the flu as it doesn't contain the active virus needed to do this. It's true that some people experience symptoms of a heavy cold at the same time or just after they've had the flu jab. This is simply a coincidence and the symptoms are usually caused by one of the many common cold viruses that are around in the autumn and winter. Remember, it's still possible to suffer heavy colds after vaccination, as the flu jab only protects people from the flu virus, not other viruses.
The flu vaccination (วัคซีนไข้หวัดใหญ่) is available from around October each year. Anyone who thinks they need it should talk to their doctor or nurse.
Reducing your riskThe best way to avoid getting flu is to keep your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, getting enough rest and relaxation and not smoking.
You should also avoid people who are coughing and sneezing, especially if they're not covering their mouth and nose.Cold or flu?Flu strikes suddenly and affects the whole body. One minute you're happy at work, the next you've been knocked for six and are too ill to do anything. It lasts for about seven days and generally leaves you feeling exhausted for weeks afterwards.
It's different from the common cold, in which the symptoms tend to come on gradually, usually affecting only the nose, throat, sinuses and upper chest. When someone has a cold, they're still able to get about and usually recover fully after about a week.
Treatment
These are the best ways to treat the symptoms of flu:
- Take plenty of rest. The body uses a lot of energy fighting infections, so resting for the first couple of days gets it off to a good start.
- Keep warm.
- Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Take paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve headaches and muscles aches.
- Drink hot water with lemon, ginger and honey.
- Antibiotics are of no use in fighting flu. Medication is available from the GP for some people in at-risk groups who develop flu.
- Advice on suitable remedies is available from your local pharmacist. Always contact your doctor if you're not getting better after a few days, if you're unduly short of breath or if you're coughing up blood or large amounts of yellow or green phlegm.
Take Care all Yourself before travel.
From:
Backpacker House
Chiang Mai, Thailand
www.SiamBackPack.com
Labels: Reccomend all attractive places to go and things to eat and join, Thailand, Travel Safety on Earth
