Our First Yi Peng

Yi Peng Festival in the north is Loy Krathong Festival in other parts of Thailand.  It takes place in November when the moon is full, the rivers rise, the rainy season is waving goodbye, the cold season is knocking on the door, farmers are finishing harvesting and more than happy to welcome some fun. Yi Peng is the time to float the 'krathong' or floating lantern in the river and to release the 'koam loi' or wish lantern into the night sky.  

Our family had our first Yi Peng in Chiang Rai on November 28, 2012 when IngSong and I flew back from Bangkok on the airline that gave complementary 'krathongs' for the event.  They were cute looking but were traditionally different, as they were made from bread dough not banana leaves as the accustomed ones.  We admired them and asked for five so that we could share with Kanit and friends.  Yet, our hope to come back and celebrate Yi Peng together was in jeopardy when we reached Chiang Rai.  It was raining hard when we landed at the Mae Fah Luang International Airport.  Kanit picked us up and took us to dinner.  IngSong gave a thought that we could munch on the krathong if we failed to float them that night!  To our delight, the rain let up as we finished our dinner.  

On our way home, we looked around to see how people would celebrate Yi Peng.  To our surprise, Chiang Rai remained as nice and quiet as ever.  Yet, one extra ordinary thing we noticed was the glistering candle-lit little things in front of most houses and stores everywhere we passed by.  It was a feast to the eyes indeed.  Kanit told us that the little things which appeared to be candles in  tiny earthen containers were referred to as 'pra-theep.'  The local lit 'pra-theep' in such night to show their appreciation to the divine of faith, people and other objects.  'Pra-theeps' were placed near what people wanted to show their gratitude to, such as their gates, stairs, windows, wells, barns, and burners.  Lighting 'pra-theeps' could also relate to the celebration of light, with the belief that they light up their path of life.  To whatever reasons one might have, the town was lit up with 'pra-theep,' which we found it much lovely and were drastically taken by it all.

After getting some 'pra-theep' sold on the street, we went home to deliver our 'krathong' to our friend, lighted 'pra-theep' on our porch, then went on to the riverside nearby.  There we found people from various faith but one shared common purpose, to celebrate!  IngSong bought more 'pra -theep,'  Kanit got his camera ready, and I practically were too taken by all sights and sounds all around than to be able to do anything.  My two men directed me on every step on the rather muddy path, in the midst of loud noise from the fireworks and firecrackers.

On the bank, IngSong prepared our krathongs. Then, one by one we went down onto a make-do floating raft to float them, in the midst of the merry crowd.  Some were on the raft, some were picnicking on the bank, some were busy getting sky lanterns to rise up into the air, some were dancing, some were selling the 'items' of the night, others were drinking or minding various joyful business.  Many were having fun with the fire works and fire crackers. 

Everyone was enjoying themselves.  Smiles painted everybody's face and laughters rang out all around.  We were at awe to take part in our local festival.  It was a very lovely time.  We enjoyed it completely.

The night wore on.  Many came and left after floating the lanterns.  Many remained and enjoyed other activities.  As for us, we floated the lanterns, tried our firecrackers, roamed around, looked on the dance, watched the lanterns floating down the rivers and up into the night sky.  It was splendid to watch the river lit up with string of glistering candle light and the night sky dotted with beautiful little lit up  lanterns.

Our 'pra-theeps' were still sending cheerful light when we returned from the event.  It was such welcoming little things.  As tired as we felt, we lingered on as we could not stop talking about our first 'Yi Peng,' that it was so special to have bits and pieces of the celebration.  We felt grateful to learn and participate in this beautiful festival when each and all gathered together from various faith, yet with one common goal - JOY!

Tradition, tradition, tradition .....

Tradition is defined in the Dictionary.com as a continuing pattern of culture beliefs or practices. And one of special Thai traditions is the way people celebrate the End of Buddhist Lent. The lent takes place from July through October, during the rainy season when the Buddhist monks practice their annually three-month Rains Retreat. The end of the lent is widely celebrated throughout the country.

Upon our move to Chiang Rai, we had a chance to be new on-lookers of a small part of this celebration at Wat MingMuang. 

It was the time when the people gather to do what was referred to in Thai as "June-la-ga-tin," or the one-day preparation for the new robes for the monks. They started from carding cotton, spinning, plying, weaving, dying washing & drying, cutting and sewing. We went there at night time and many activities took place. 

In the courtyard, there were dances and also a dedication ceremony of the merit makers. Inside the assembly building, people were bustling with the robe-making process. 

Meanwhile the building for worship of which housed Buddha Images remained brightly illuminated but tranquil.

We were overwhelmingly at awe with all that was happening right before our eyes and all around us. Everything was just so colorfully beautiful. The air was cool and pleasant. The breeze was gentle and constant. The sights and sounds all around were incredibly in harmonious. Faith was delicately professed in various aspects of deeds and activities. Everyone was absorbed with what they were doing. All shared a one high hope that all robes would be finished and properly prepared for the very soon coming morning presentation to the monks when the final rite would be conducted.

The night wore on so quickly. Finally, the weaving was completed, the newly woven material were dyed, washed and dried. The weaving crew took apart their contemporary loom and prepared to retire. People came to touch the new piece. Everyone wore such a peaceful solemn look. The sewing crew took charge. The outside entertainment changed from dancing to Thai classical live music. Smiles were shared and exchanged. 

We wished so hard to stay on, but reluctantly decided to leave. It was getting too late of the night. Off we went on home, warmth wrapped around our hearts as we thought on the spectacular beauty of the tradition observed here in the north at the end of the Buddhist Lent. We were grateful for a precious chance to be there.

Traditions have been handed down from generations. People observe their traditions and practice their faith. Life goes on and on till we no longer stop to comfort ourselves of why we do what we have been doing, for it is simply a TRADITION.

Photographs: Courtesy to Kanit and IngSong