For Songkran festival, Thai people clean everything, i.e the house, the previous year bad actions, the Buddha statues, one's own spirit. But nowadays Songkran festival is better known for its splashing water madness. Traditionally the ceremony was to pour water into the palms hands in order that bad actions, bad thoughts flow away with the water. It was a way to purify. Children show their respect to elders by performing this water ceremony. Also scented water is poured over the shoulder and slowly down the back of the person. While pouring the water in this manner, people say good wishes and words of blessing for the coming New Year. What used to be a simple family-oriented holiday, Thai New Year or Songkran has become a period of madness, drunkenness and hooliganism. The road toll runs at about 600 dead and 3,000 injured! It is an excuse to throw water on all who are silly enough to venture out of their homes. Giant pump-action water guns are for sale all over the country and pick up trucks loaded with 44 gallon drums of water and electric pumps roam around town to give a good soaking to the unsuspecting pedestrian. The water does come as some relief as the weather is VERY hot. |
