Songkran: an opportunity for new beginnings
There is always an opportunity for new beginnings, even to start the new year again.
April 13 is the start of the New Year for the Thai people, called Songkran.
During Songkran, there is the traditional throwing of water on each other to wish each other longevity, good fortune and good luck, from the gentle sprinkling of water on one another to big full on water fights with water guns, more in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Besides the throwing of water, people celebrate Songkran by going to a temple to pray and giving food to monks.
I attended a special early morning ceremony with the local monks called “Tham Boon Tak Bart” where people give food and gifts to the monks. The feeding of the monks is based on the kindness of the public thus they go around with a “begging bowl” asking for donations. In return, the monks give blessings to the people.
Afterwards, there is a more formal ceremony with the monks in front, and the people who have given gifts in front of them kneeling, and the monks chanting.
The Thais had their hands in prayer, eyes closed and were bowing slightly. I didn’t understand the language but did the same to take in the good vibrations and blessings from the monks chanting.
As part of the ceremony, the monks and guests pour water on the Buddha and hands of revered elders. I was chosen by as one of the “elders” (not sure about being an elder but I’ll take this as being a good thing) and was sat in a chair in front of a water bowl.
I had a beautiful garland of lotus flowers and roses I held in my hands on top of the water bowl.The guests would come by pouring water from their small bowls on to the garland wishing me well. In turn, I would take some of the water in my bowl and sprinkle it on them wishing them well for the new year.
It was a lovely ceremony and I felt cleansed and refreshed for a new solar year.
It showed me why water is more than water.
Many religions use holy water, usually sanctified by a priest or similar position in a church, for cleansing, protection, and blessing.
During Songkran, water is poured on the Buddhist monks, Buddha images, each other and ourselves to cleanse away the old year and bring in new one.
Water during Songkran contained my wishes to others as I doused them with water and laughed. It carried the good blessings from others as they threw it on me in small and large does in a friendly playful manner.
Most important it provided me with the opportunity to join in celebrating a new year, a new beginning, as I sprinkled water over Buddha and myself.
We always have the opportunity for new beginnings where ever we are.
Originally published at Caroline Ishii.
