Songkran

Happy Thai New Year! This time I got to see the real traditions surrounding Songkran (not just the water fights that are advertised for the tourists). Kanda mentioned that the water throwing of Songkran demonstrates the Thai culture – the attitude to “take it easy,” smile, and be tolerant. You show this when you thank people for dousing you with water. And, further, it is pleasant, flower petal strewn fragrant water. A festival like this would never work in America—it would ultimately end up in someone acting too far, resulting in a fight. 

In the morning Pom and I went around visiting various relatives and pouring water over the hands of elders as a sign of respect. Everyone offered meals. Driving on the motorbike we were forced to slow at makeshift “checkpoints” where kids and drunk young adults would douse us with water and pat our faces white with talcum powder. Afternoon event at the Wat to pour water over Buddha statues and monks’ hands. Around five, after a shower, on to Pom’s neighborhood Wat. Interesting, but long…over 2 hours. I sat until my knee burned and feet were numb. As the monks chanted the entire group gathered and was joined by halos of white string dangling from a string lattice work above our heads. Made merit by leaving 20 baht on a money tree. Party/festival mood. 

15 April 05 

Back to the temple. I was grabbed by women to dance and be force-fed whiskey. This is the same group of old biddies you would expect to see smuggle in a flask to bingo night …. The sort of women who would strut around in huge fancy purple hats. They enjoy life and I enjoy that they accept me. Also did the proper traditional ceremony of pouring water over the hands of Buddha statues and a line of monks. Our celebration was interrupted by a downpour of rain—no matter, the party proceeded to frantic dancing in the rain!