Thai New Year (Songkran, Songkran) is a grand event and very popular among tourists. As in other countries of the East, in Thailand, both the European New Year on January 1 and Songkran are celebrated. Songkran is celebrated for several days. Songkran (or Thai New Year) is officially celebrated in Thailand from 13 to 15 April, 2022 will be no exception. In some cities, the date of the celebration varies from 11 to 18 April. Thais (especially children) take to the streets, taking with them a couple of buckets of water, and with the words "Sawasdee pi mai" (Happy New Year!) They water everyone they meet and paint each other with talcum powder. Water, symbolizing the essence of all living things, is sprayed everywhere, because this should bring grace to everyone gif.webpted with blessed moisture. If a smiling Thai man pours water on your back and shoulders, it means that he wishes you happiness.
history of the holiday
The very word "songkran" came into the Thai language from the Sanskrit "sankranti" and means "change, transition, movement." It is at this time that the sun passes from the constellation Aries to Taurus, and the very hot season gives way to the cool rainy season, when rice is sown. Therefore, the holiday is celebrated not only in Thailand, but also in all neighboring countries, where rice is the main product. Songkran is celebrated differently in each region. Even the names are not similar: in Thai Van Songkran, in Lao Bun Pi Mai, in Cambodian Chaul Chnam Thmey, in Burmese Maha Thingyan.
Previously, Songkran depended on the lunar calendar, and on this day a new calendar year began. In 1940, the beginning of the year was postponed to January 1, and now the Thai New Year is fixed, and official holidays fall from April 13 to April 15, and in fact, festivals in the provinces are held at slightly different times. Perhaps the most traditional and distinctive Songkran is celebrated in northern Thailand. It is there that the festival lasts the longest: it starts already on April 11, and the ten-day celebrations reach incredible proportions.
Thai New Year traditions
Songkran is one of the largest events in Thailand with numerous parades, music, shows, religious observances and public festivities in the streets. Water plays a big role in this holiday. This is a kind of cleansing ritual so that the coming year will bring rains for a good harvest and fertility, as well as good luck and prosperity.
The tradition of spraying people has evolved into multi-day water battles, where water pistols, buckets and hoses are used to wet everyone in sight, regardless of rank or rank. If you are in Thailand during Songkran, expect not to stay dry either! In addition to water procedures, white talcum powder is scattered on the streets of the city (this is another Thai custom - sprinkling with chalk as a sign of blessing), and soon they resemble the aftermath of a snowstorm.
The second day of Songkran is officially National Family Day. This is a very important time for Thais to relax and spend with friends and family. In other parts of Thailand, especially in the northern city of Chiang Mai, Songkran is celebrated throughout the week. Local versions of Songkran are also observed in Cambodia, Laos, Burma and among ethnic minorities in Yunnan province, southern China and Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India.
Thai New Year traditions
Thai enthusiasts begin to prepare for the celebration almost a week before the official date, for which special ceremonies are held. When there are only three days left before Songkran, Thais throw unnecessary things, rags, remnants of food into the wasteland, getting rid of the burden of the past. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to free the home from everything bad. Also, before a joyful event, it is customary to sing prayers, and someone even conducts a cleansing ritual in the house.
For Thai people, celebration is associated with religion, so on the first day of the holiday, Thais must visit the temple. Monks are deliberately on the city streets, and people present them with various delicacies packed in palm leaves. On the eve of an important day, women prepare ancient treats to show respect for the Buddha. Even a Buddha figurine must be washed with flowers and jasmine water. People, returning from the temple, pour the figures of the deity with this elixir, and the hands of the elders are also washed with jasmine water. New Year in Thailand is a family holiday, and Thais also spend it with their families. Pleasant conversations are held at the festive table, relatives share their plans, general prayers are said at the end. Prayers for the well-being of deceased relatives are sure to be raised.
What tourists should know
It is necessary to protect documents and gadgets from water, which are best left at the hotel. It is also better to part with accessories, backpacks and bags for a while. It is important to remember to wear light clothing during Songkran 2022, otherwise there is a high risk of walking wet for a long time. It is better that the fabric does not fade and dries quickly. For the celebration of the Thai New Year, it is more important to stock up on any containers and devices that can help participate in the fun. Makeup also makes sense not to apply, otherwise it will wash off. If you are planning to ride a bike, you need to choose a low speed, keeping in mind the wet and slippery road.
Thais love to have fun, and they try to combine all customs with religion. Therefore, on New Year's holidays, they go to church, pray and have conversations on philosophical topics. The main entertainment at the water festival is dousing with water, designed to cleanse the soul and body.
So this is probably all there is to know about the Thai New Year 2022. Take a look video of how the Thai New Year is celebrated:
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