Songkran is the Thai New Year celebration that takes place every year on April 13th-15th. In ancient times, this was really the beginning of the Thai calendar year. But nowadays, even though the new year begins January 1st, this festival is still acknowledged. It is the largest holiday of the year and involves a lot of traveling because most people make their way back to their hometowns to be with family. There are a few different elements of the Songkran festival. One of the traditions that all Thais observe, including Christians, is to pay respect and honor to elders. This is done by pouring scented water over the hands of elders and pronouncing a blessing on them. This year, I observed and participated in this element both at the Thai church I attend, and in one of the villages.Another aspect of the festival is to cleanse the Buddha images. This is primarily done at the temples, but also at other public places where a Buddha figure is set up. People will pour water over the Buddha as a way to make merit and symbolize cleansing at the New Year.
