Full Moon, High Water

Most cultures have a harvest festival, but few are as charming as the Thai festival of Loy Krathong, traditionally celebrated the week of November’s full moon.

Loy Krathong’s origins are tied to the end of the rainy season and the completion of the main rice harvest. The themes are familiar – purification, atonement, homage to the spirits of Thailand’s great rivers. In legend, the first Loy Krathong occurred in ancient times when the beautiful young Brahmin wife of a king fashioned a small boat of banana leaves, flowers, carved fruits and candles. She then lit the candles and set the boat adrift in the river. The king was so impressed that he ordered all his subjects to do the same.

In Thailand, the rivers shimmer with light the night of Loy Krathong, creating a festival considered one of Asia’s most beautiful.

A dearth of suitable rivers constrains Los Angeles Thais, but they celebrate Loy Krathong with panache nevertheless. In North Hollywood, Wat Thai Los Angeles goes into full festival mode, A parking lot becomes a bazaar, serving up Thai food and Thai goods, including silk and cotton apparel and an amazing variety of amulets.


Today there were two stages on the temple grounds – Thai pop and hip hop at one, Thai classical music and dance at the other. Wat Thai School famously sends it classical dancers and musicians to Thailand every summer, where they are heard and viewed by appreciative audiences across the country. The interest of Los Angeles Thais in holding on to Thai culture is a source of pride back home.

Thai classical dance is characterized by extraordinary beauty and grace. Though strange to occidental ears, Thai music has an otherworldly beauty that makes a strong impression.

The Loy Krathong celebration at Wat Thai continues through tomorrow.