Loy Kratong

 Loy Kratong Festival in Lampang

Kratong

Last Sunday was the Loy Kratong Festival in Thailand. “Loy” means to float and “Krathong” is a small floating wreath or basket. According to Wikipeadia, “The festival is believed to originate in an ancient practice of paying respect to the spirit of the waters. Today it is simply a time to have fun...”

The Thailand.com website states, “The Loy Kratong ritual is a simple one. One needs only to light the candles and the joss sticks, make one's wishes and let it float away with the current of a river or a canal.

On that day, thousands of people will gather beside the canals and rivers. With kratong in hands, they light the candle, put some coins in the kratong and silently make a wish, and carefully place their kratongs in the water and release them to the current.

They watch intently as the float drifts silently downstream, hoping that the candle will not go out. Its flame is said to signify longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. Altogether it is considered a romantic night for couples or lovers. Couples who make a wish together on Loy Kratong are thought to stay together in the future.”

The origins Loy Kratong are disputed and no one really knows the true origins. Thailand.com states that, “Whatever the true origin ... Today, Loy Kratong offers a unique occasion to celebrate. It's a good time for people to make wishes and look to the future as they float their floral offerings along the waterways.”

Thai Christians in general have avoided participating in Loy Kratong because of it’s origins and association with the spirits and Buddhism. This alienates Thai Christians from other Thais and relating with non-Christians.

However, is there a way for Thai Christians to be able to participate in this festival so as not to alienate themselves from their friends, yet not be syncretistic? Could Christians infuse new meaning in this festival. Could the candle represent Jesus being the light. Could Thai Christians praise God that their sins are assured of being forgiven through Jesus while they release their Kratongs?

Undoubtedly, Thai Christians and missionaries will have vastly different views on this issue.