Songkran And The True Meaning

[Tywais]

This topic is meant for members to understand what Songkran really means as the meaning has gotten lost in many places.

It is understood that the name Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning 'passing' or 'approaching' and marks the beginning of the Thai New Year. The term Songkran means The festival celebrated on the day of passage of the sun to Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac¹. It means that on Songkran Day the sun enter the sign of Aires. Its full name is called Maha Songkran which means the great Songkran. Source

It is a day to give respect to one's elders and homage to those who have gone. It is a time for cleansing and renewal, both spiritually and physically. Prior to Songkran, usually a few days before or by the 12th, there is a flurry of cleaning activity by most. This means houses are swept top to bottom, all old things are discarded as it is considered bad luck to carry them over to the New Year. Buddhist statues are washed and paraded for others to toss water on.

When I first came here I was introduced to the traditional Songkran by my girlfriend. This was going to her parents house and asking for their blessing and they would say a prayer and sprinkle water from a silver bowl (Rod Nam Dam Hua) and attach 'sai sen' or the white thread on our wrists. Very humbling experience.

Today was 'spring' cleaning at our office with everyone pitching in cleaning everything from top to bottom. All leaves were swept off the roofs, rooms cleaned, old items discarded. At noon, a small feast was supplied and a pleasant and fun time for all.

So to all members, a happy Songkran from Thaivisa. Please try to refrain from being too negative, plenty of topics moaning about it already.

More info here and here

[noahvail]

Great post. Thanks for sharing the information.

[liveforever]

Top post, thank you for taking the time.

Kind regards

[pattayadingo]

Yes, a great post and one that I missed.

Up in the land of Issan, there was plenty of cleaning going on both in houses and in the Temples by the family on Saturday.

Sunday and the gentle pouring of water over the hands - sometimes the shoulder - and the marking with clay was the first highlight of the day.

Next they went to the Temple to make merit.

After all that was done, the partying started and my understanding is that the party itself lasted well into Monday. From all accounts a really good party with music, dancing, whisky and beer.

All in all a good celebration of the Thai New Year, from what I hear.

Cleaning, cleansing, making merit and then the party. All good for the whole family, marking the end of the old and the start of the new.