Loy Krathong: saying sorry to the river

On the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually in November, people walk down to rivers, canals and park lakes to ลอยกระทง: float a small vessel of banana trunk and leaves, decorated with flowers, a candle and incense. The gesture thanks the water goddess, พระแม่คงคา, and asks her forgiveness for using and dirtying the water all year. Many people make a wish as they let go and imagine their bad luck floating away; some tuck in a coin, a strand of hair or a nail clipping. Couples often float one together. Choose a krathong of bread or banana trunk: styrofoam ones are banned in many places. In Chiang Mai the same nights are Yi Peng, when lanterns rise into the sky.