November's full moon in Thailand is a time of spiritual growth, communities coming together, young lovers looking for portents for the future, and most importantly, really big fireworks.
This several day, nationwide holiday is called Loy Krathong, or Yi Peng as they say in the north. There is little agreement on the origins of this celebration, but it does always occur on the full moon of November, usually when the waterways of the nation are at their peak. People say it is to thank the river goddess for life-giving water, and Thais give their thanks by putting floats in the river, lifting off hotair-like balloons, organizing parades, and in this more recent era, by letting loose a dangerous public armed with every firework imaginable.
I, armed with both camera and a personal arsenal of firebombs, was there. |