How many Thais celebrate the new year. Songkran - Thai New Year

Thai New Year songkran - when is celebrated in 2018, what is happening on the streets of Thailand at this time? Is it worth going to Songkran and what is it all about? How not to get to the hospital and stay alive during mass marches? What tour operators will not tell you about when they send you to Thailand in April. Details in the article!

What does this holiday symbolize - the period (time) of holding

Songkran is the Thai New Year, which in 2018 (according to our calendar) is celebrated from April 13-17. The peak of fun falls on the last day of the procession. According to the ancient Indian calendar - Songkran symbolizes the onset of a new time - the hot season is replaced by heavy rains.

Songkran is one of the most important and significant holidays for Thais. Almost all local residents celebrate this event with contentment, completely "surrendering" to what is happening. Songkran is essentially the same New Year as ours. Only according to the Buddhist calendar used in these latitudes.

The main entertainment these days is mass dousing with water from mugs or water machines, rubbing with talc or clay. Complete strangers do this to each other. Yes, yes, you can go “and not touch anyone”, just as a basin of water with “emergency” powder (talc) can “fly” at you from the side.

At first glance, this seems like a pretty fun activity. But, in fact, the celebration of songgran is fraught with a lot of dangers. More on this later.

Water pistols are used for "shelling" with water. You can buy them at the nearest supermarket. Cost - from 150 baht. The “weapon” will become useless in the “battle with the enemy” if the latter has a huge barrel or a water hose in his hands.

What is the meaning of the holiday - why such traditions on Songkran (Thai New Year)

Songgran has been celebrated for over 500 years. In ancient times, during the Songkran period, the monks turned to the gods all week with requests for mercy and a reduction in the number of rainy days. They were afraid of flooding and great destruction during bad weather. Nowadays, the songkran of typical Thais starts at the temple. From early morning, they make alms to the monks (tham bun) and after a long stay in a sacred place, they go outside for a portion of "fresh street soul".

According to their beliefs, mass dousing with water symbolizes the complete cleansing of the soul from sins, and the body from various diseases. Rubbing with talcum powder and clay - acts as a protection from evil spirits for the next year.

Songkran among Thais is a family, warm holiday. The older generation, as a rule, does not participate in street processions - they prefer a modest dinner in the family circle.

During the Songkran period, Thais still hold the ceremony of washing the Buddha statue, which is in every home. According to religious beliefs, the water for the ceremony should be filled with rose petals and jasmine.

Songkran and tourists - an elephant in a china shop or "rejoice" for the Thais?

Noticing interesting rituals, foreign tourists began to take part in water processions with pleasure, and to develop this direction in every possible way. Sometimes, foreigners rejoice in the advent of a new time in Thailand - even more than the Thais themselves.

Unfortunately, over time, songkran in Thailand, especially in tourist areas, has acquired its own unique scenario. Sometimes, funny entertainments lead to tragedies - falls from bikes, damage to expensive equipment, documents. By the way, the Thais are not involved in these misfortunes - the Burmese and Europeans act as aggressors. As mentioned earlier, foreigners “liked” local traditions. Some tourists specially fly to Thailand at this time to have plenty of fun on the streets of the city and show all their "nonsense".

Drunk and inspired by the rest, foreigners "go too far" - douse passers-by not just from a mug or a water pistol, but from a huge bucket or barrel of water. Some went further - they add ice to the container, and pour ice-cold water on passers-by.

Such “fun” no longer carries the meaning of purifying the soul. About 250 people died on songkran in Thailand last year alone. More than 2000 thousand have suffered. There were more cases of falls from the bike. The dead or injured riders could not keep their balance when the barrel was suddenly doused with water, and simply flew off the bike at speed.

Be careful when riding a motorbike along the main streets of the city in songkran. Too "enthusiastic" and joyful celebrating, they can foolishly douse you with a basin of water. Such an unexpected "wave" can lead to tragedy.

How to avoid inconvenience during the Thai New Year - Songkran

• Go to Thailand at a different time

If your main task during your trip to Thailand was visiting excursions and sightseeing, we recommend that you choose another time. If you are lucky enough to get to Thailand for songkran, then keep in mind that many establishments will be closed. Many shows, entertainment, excursions stop working. In Pattaya at this time, terrible traffic jams and transport collapses.

• Beware of Burmese and drunken Europeans

Regardless of the fact that they will see that you cannot be doused, for example, when you are talking on the phone, they will do it. Moreover, they will laugh like crazy, completely showing their "nonsense" to those passing by. We recommend avoiding them.

• Stock up on waterproof bags

When walking around the city, be careful - at the most inopportune moment you can be poured with water. Hide your belongings in waterproof cases or bags. This applies to phones, cameras and, of course, money and documents.

• Walk in a crowd

Do not walk down the street alone at this time. Especially true for girls. Mass crush and pandemonium - can lead to minor injuries. It is important to stay close to someone so that there is an opportunity to “get out” of the procession.

In general, songkran in Thailand is a very fun holiday, which previously seemed to be something bright and sincere. Unfortunately, alcohol and some “foolishness” of people gradually turns it into a period of debauchery and mass troubles (especially in Pattaya). Thais, by virtue of their worldview, do not react to this in any way and take it “for granted”. If you are not ready for such adventures, we do not recommend visiting the Thai New Year Songkran. And look at the photos and videos of songgran on the Internet.

Winter in Thai resorts is the peak of the tourist season, when tourists come to lie on the sea coast, sunbathe, look at natural and historical sights. If tourists come in winter or autumn, then there is a chance to get to various festivals and holidays. Delight among foreign tourists is the celebration of the New Year - either European, or Thai, or Chinese. Each New Year is distinguished by colorful processions, fireworks, and national features. Visitors are invited to participate in the celebration of the New Year in hotels, local bars, and on the streets of settlements. Whatever New Year tourists choose, the holiday will give a lot of emotions and bright colorful moments.

The first in the Kingdom is the European New Year, which falls on the night of December 31 to January 1. To celebrate this event, a large number of tourists come to Thailand who want to celebrate the New Year in an exotic setting, surrounded by palm trees. No European New Year celebration is complete without a Christmas tree. Trees are installed in resort areas, hotels, bars and restaurants.

Then comes the turn to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the exact date of which is not known. Every year the holiday is celebrated at different times, from January 21 to February 21. The exact date is determined by the day that occurs on the first new moon after the solstice. Chinese New Year is directly dependent on the phases of the moon.

The Thai New Year is called Songkran. It is celebrated every year on April 13, when Thais meet the middle of spring. There is a version that the scientists of the Kingdom of Thailand, with the help of knowledge of astronomy, were able to calculate this date from the stars. The Thais love to tell the legend that the Thai God of fire made various tasks for the boy, lost a bet to him. After that, God had to cut off his head on his own, and the boy put it in a cave. This head is taken out on April 13 by the daughters of the God of Fire in a basket outside, they walk around the cave, and then they bring it back. Thais say that at this time the air temperature rises to +40. Such heat is not typical for Thailand, and it is observed only on New Year's Eve.

Whatever New Year tourists celebrate, they will remember the holiday for a long time. Thais know how to celebrate holidays brightly and unusually, which allows you to remember such an important day of the year for life.

European New Year and Christmas

The tradition of celebrating these two holidays, for which the inhabitants of Europe, the countries of South and North America appeared not so long ago. With the development of the tourism sector, these two holidays began to gradually penetrate into Thai culture. Therefore, about 70 years ago, popular resorts, and then throughout the Kingdom, began to celebrate Christmas (according to the Catholic rite) and the European New Year.

A large-scale celebration is observed throughout the country, but a special scale is observed in Thai resorts. Before Christmas, artificial Christmas trees are installed in shopping malls, shops and other crowded public places. Holidays are celebrated on the central squares and main streets.

Before December 25, fairs begin to work in Thailand, sales begin in shops and shopping centers, where you can buy everything you need. Tourists constantly visit the fairs to buy souvenirs, food, drinks, clothes and shoes at great discounts.

Christmas and New Year are celebrated mainly in Thailand by foreign tourists, who are joined by local residents. The largest concentration of foreigners is observed in the central squares of Bangkok and Pattaya, where large artificial fir trees are being installed. Various events and concerts are held here. There will be fewer people in Phuket, but this does not prevent both Thais and resort guests from celebrating the holiday on a grand scale. Among the features of celebrating the New Year in a European way and Christmas, it is worth noting:

• Live music is heard everywhere.
• Concerts and competitions are held on the streets.
• In the evenings, Christmas and New Year lights are lit everywhere.
• Fireworks are set off on New Year's Eve.
• On Christmas and New Year's Eve there is a rush in cafes, bars and restaurants.

New Year tours are very popular among couples who come to Thailand with children for the winter holidays. The program for celebrating the European New Year in the Kingdom includes:

• A visit to the hotel, where a festive banquet with a concert program is organized.
• Booking a table at one of the budget restaurants.
• Riding on a river tram on the river.

Only foreigners stay in public places after midnight, Thais go home, because they celebrate such holidays with family members. It is customary for them to give gifts, have dinner together, and go to the temple in the morning.

New Year at most resorts in Thailand takes place in excellent weather conditions. But on Koh Samui in December and January, it often rains heavily, tropical storms interfere with mass street festivities. Therefore, tourists choose such resorts as Krabi, Phuket and Pattaya to celebrate the New Year in a European way.

How Songkran is celebrated

For those who came to Thailand in April, there is a great opportunity to visit one of the most fun and colorful holidays - the Thai New Year. All residents of the country are given days off two days before the start of the holiday so that people can prepare for the celebration of Songkran. New Year holidays and events last until April 19-20.

A few days before the New Year, Thais visit temples, where monks conduct pre-holiday ceremonies, read prayers called khurals. On the eve of the holiday, it is customary to invite a lama to the house to perform a rite of purification from negativity and negative emotions. From time to time, local residents begin to take out small things, rags, food leftovers from the house, and take them out to the wasteland. On New Year's Day, Thais wear new clothes to welcome the holiday and bring positive energy into the home.

Food is brought to the temple to treat the monks, to thank them for their prayers. At home, local residents continue to pray, attracting success, health, happiness, prosperity. Buddha figurines, pre-washed with water, are placed around the rooms.

Thai water has magical properties. The population of Thailand believes that water can wash away all the negativity that has accumulated over the year. Before the holiday, barrels of water are installed on the streets of cities and small towns, which are the main attributes of the holiday. Barrels are needed so that passers-by can pour water on each other. Water is poured into any container that is at hand, into basins, water guns and buckets. It makes no sense to be offended by dousing. Firstly, this is a local tradition, and you should not offend the Thais. They favorably treat tourists, they are distinguished by hospitality to visitors. Secondly, you can always join those who pour water on passers-by. Thirdly, the tradition was born a long time ago, and breaking it means offending the people of Thailand.

Streams of water fall on passers-by at any moment, dousing continues until April 20. Dousing starts from the head, which allows you to douse the tourist completely from the first time. It is not recommended to travel around the cities on a moped, bicycle or motorcycle.

All equipment during New Year's festivities and celebrations should be hidden in covers that can protect against water and moisture. In addition to dousing, Thais smear each other with white clay, talcum powder, and tie bracelets on their hands. Such actions apply to foreign tourists as well.

Such procedures are designed to bring rain and speed up the transition from dry to wet season.

Tourists who came to the resorts in April may not worry about the weather. The middle of spring is the best time for swimming and celebrating the New Year, which allows you to see the sights, go on excursions, and participate in the celebration of the New Year.

Chinese New Year

In winter, Thailand celebrates the Chinese New Year, which lasts three days in the Kingdom. Thais decorate the streets with red lanterns, visit each other on New Year's Eve, give small gifts, joke and have fun.

As in China, New Year's festivities are accompanied by New Year's attributes such as lions, dragons and red paper lanterns.

Residents of cities dress in national costumes with bright colors, organize mass processions and carnivals. Similar events are held in every resort town. Thais hold a big dragon in their hands, and walking through the streets is accompanied by music, songs, firecrackers.

What do tourists need to know about the New Year holidays in Thailand?

Travelers who come to the Kingdom before the New Year and Christmas should take into account several important points:

• There is an increase in prices - for vouchers, for accommodation, for food, for excursions and entertainment.
• For tourists, entertainment shows, programs, concerts are organized everywhere. The most colorful and large-scale events are held in Pattaya and Bangkok.
• Do not avoid dousing with water if the arrival coincided with the celebration of the Thai New Year. Water fun is a symbol of good luck, happiness, and talc or white clay helps to create protection around a person. Women are not recommended to apply a lot of cosmetics on the face. It is not necessary for both women and men to wear smart clothes and shoes. Water will ruin the outfit anyway.
• Tourists can buy water pistols and take part in water fun. To recharge weapons, water supplies are used in barrels placed along the streets.

Traveling to Thailand in winter or spring, tourists can become participants in fun activities dedicated to the New Year. The traditions of celebrating differ from European ones, so foreign guests of Thai resorts will be able to join the new culture, have fun, and get unforgettable impressions of the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Thailand is one of the most popular resorts in the world today.

This amazing and unusual country attracts many tourists not only with its beautiful nature, warm and mild climatic conditions and unusually gentle sea.

Every year, Thailand opens its doors to tourists, the number of which is growing inexorably. This is because the marvelous customs and traditions of this amazing country are of great interest to them.

The country attracts special attention of travelers during the most long-awaited and beloved holiday - the New Year.

It is during this period that many discerning tourists awaken a special desire to escape from the annoying cold and chilling frost, from such a “banal” Olivier salad and, finally, plunge into the exotic world of Thais:

• soak up the rays of the gentle sun;
• splash in the warm ocean waters and make long swims;
• lie on the hot sand under spreading palm trees;
• admire the wonderful views of extraordinary flora and fauna;
• to taste original masterpieces of national cuisine.

Prices for tours and vouchers usually fall at this time, and tickets become cheap.

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How is New Year celebrated in Thailand?

The Thai people are a special people and they celebrate the New Year in a special way.

They meet him three times.

Although the Thais celebrate the traditional New Year in the same way as other European nations - in their families, for them this holiday is more likely not a family holiday, but a public one.

They are preparing for the traditional New Year celebration with all responsibility and thoroughness.

The main difference between their celebrations is as follows:

• a few days before the new year all residents go to a Buddhist temple, where special New Year's prayers are read. Monks read them, and prayers even have a name - khurals;
• along with prayers Birds and fish are released into the wild.

And the rest of them everything goes in exactly the same way as other peoples:

• decoration of residential buildings with sparkling garlands and colorful balls;
• giving gifts to relatives and friends;
• preparation of a festive fragrant dinner;
• organizing and holding New Year's shows and events.

Exactly at 12 o'clock at night, Thais, sitting at a round family table, congratulate each other on the New Year, and after the celebration, all the people go to the temple.

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A little about Thailand

Thais are loving people, very hospitable, so they try to treat every tourist as well and with great respect as possible.

Each tourist for them is a respected guest and meeting him with a rainbow and good-natured smile is their primary task.

Another distinctive feature of the Thai people is:

• politeness;
• smiling;
• veneration of centuries-old customs.

For every resident of Thailand, every day is special. This is a people who will rejoice at every morning that comes, no matter how hard it is for them, and to observe all traditions, customs and rituals is, as they believe, their sacred duty.

Any holiday for them is:

• time for fun;
• the opportunity to give each other radiant smiles and good mood;
• a chance to fill yourself with joy and a lot of positive emotions.

When is New Year celebrated in Thailand?

As mentioned above, Thais, unlike other countries, celebrate the New Year three times:

1. Traditional New Year, which is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1. The weather for a Russian tourist will be unusually hot for this time of year - an average of +30
2. Chinese New Year- a holiday that can be celebrated by local residents every year at completely different times. This day can fall on any date in January or February.
3. - the traditional national New Year for the people of Thailand. It is celebrated on April 13th.

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In Thailand, Chinese New Year is celebrated annually, but the date of the celebration is not fixed, and this, first of all, depends on the phase of the moon.

Before this holiday comes, it is customary for Thais to decorate all houses and streets with red lanterns, which are made of paper.

In the midst of the holiday, namely on New Year's Eve, you can see figures of snakes, dragons or lions along the streets of Bangkok in the Chinatown area.

A huge fairy-tale dragon of bright red color stretches all over the street. It is carried by people dressed in a wide variety of bright, eye-catching costumes.

The delight is added by the fact that all this is accompanied by loud music, fireworks and explosions of firecrackers.

And for the Thais, this is not just a procession with fairy-tale characters, from which it is simply impossible to take your eyes off.

With the help of such events, local residents drive away evil spirits, and according to Chinese mythology, the dragon is good luck, and the lion symbolizes courage and nobility.

However, the celebration of the Chinese New Year does not end there.

Three days after that, people continue to celebrate this holiday. They visit each other, give gifts, which it is a bad omen to refuse.

You can watch this action in Pattaya - a kind of entertainment capital of Thailand.

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Thai New Year

Before the celebration, Thais without fail:

• carry out general cleaning in your house;
• they throw out from the house everything that they do not use and that has accumulated unnecessary for the whole year;
• prepare the most delicious holiday dishes.

It is customary for Thais to go to the temple on this day and make donations, and these are:

• cooked meals;
• fruits and vegetables;
• new robe.

It is on this day that people:

• pray earnestly;
• conduct multiple religious ceremonies;
• They ask the Almighty to give them health, happiness and prosperity.

Among the common customs of the Thai people during the celebration of the Thai New Year are:

• pouring water on each other in the streets;
• talcum coating.

Thais, pouring water on each other, thereby wish happiness, good luck and great prosperity in the coming year. And they are coated with talc in order to protect themselves from dark negative forces.

Thai New Year- a very unique and unusual holiday. Everyone who sees his celebration at least once with his own eyes will never forget this beautiful sight.

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Exotic travel and unforgettable experiences

Tourists who come to this country with its extraordinary people can look forward to the following:

• comfortable service;
• impeccable attitude of the locals;
• benevolence and respect for oneself;
• unforgettable days in the spent paradise.

There are so many countries in Southeast Asia that are equally worthy of attention, but Thailand is the country that, according to statistics, ranks first in terms of attendance.

It is known that many tourists prefer to go to Thailand for the summer or New Year holidays due to the respectful attitude of locals towards visitors.

The luxurious beaches of Pattong, Phuket or Koh Samui are not the only things this magical country can be proud of.

Incredible delight cause:

• Buddhist monasteries and temples;
• palaces and pagodas of majestic beauty;
• unforgettable evening performances and entertainment shows;
• notorious wellness Thai massage;
• martial arts school.

Impressions for a lifetime leave:

• elephant riding;
• floating markets;
• majestic beauty of the islands of the Andaman Sea.

As for the excursions that Thailand has to offer, here you can see and visit places that can leave only the most indelible impressions and a lot of positive emotions in your soul.

Crocodile farm

Such as:

1. Crocodile or snake farm, where there is an excellent opportunity to watch a skilled trainer, cutely lulling their snakes;
2. Monkey Island or Elephant Village. With a strong desire, you can even try yourself as an elephant rider.
3. National parks and zoos, where you can get great pleasure from just looking at exotic plants, numerous magnificent gardens. Walking through these attractive places, you can inadvertently see parrots of various colors flying overhead, and butterflies fluttering nearby cause tenderness and a smile.
4. Bays and coves. One of the most famous bays is Phang Nga Bay.

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New Year's Eve - in a restaurant or on the beach?

Thailand is a country that can offer even the most demanding tourist to experience something that, in any case, will leave only positive impressions and reviews.

One of the advantages of the Thai people is their national cuisine.

You can taste it by visiting bars, cafes or restaurants located in Thailand.

Having visited such entertainment establishments, you can:

• to enjoy delicious dishes;
• enjoy the excellent atmosphere present here;
• listen or even dance to incendiary and invigorating music.

A visit to any institution guarantees good spirits and good mood.

New Year holidays can also be well spent on Thai beaches, where there are also entertainment facilities, including nightly discos with entertainment programs and fire shows.

. Thais love the New Year so much that they celebrate it three times in 12 months.. If you line up these celebrations in chronological order, then the first to celebrate the global new year. The second is celebrated according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The third is a Buddhist religious holiday Wang Songkran. It is he who is considered the Thai New Year.

To better understand what Songkran is and why it became the Thai New Year, it is worth taking a brief digression into the history of this holiday:

• Around mid-April, in Southeast Asia ends off-season- a period of intense heat and low air humidity from which people and plants suffer. To replace him the region receives the Southwest monsoon, which is called the rainy season.
• Wet air masses, brought by this monsoon from Central Asia, flood the land with cool tropical showers. The longer and more abundant these showers are, the greater will be the harvest of rice and other food crops.
• The ritual of calling heavy rains by pouring water on each other originated in ancient India. millennia ago. There it was called "songkran", which means "change of seasons" in Sanskrit. With the spread of the cultural influence of India, this ritual was adopted by all the countries of Southeast Asia, in particular Siam (present-day Thailand).
• In Thailand, this pagan ritual was somewhat modified and adapted to the Buddhist religion.. His celebration was combined with the date of the departure of the Buddha to Nirvana. Therefore, during Songkran, people began to go to services in temples, where they brought alms to the monks and received blessings from them. Light and gentle splashing of water over a person, began to symbolize not only the call for abundant rain, but also spiritual cleansing from evil thoughts, bad energies and evil spirits.
• Initially, only fresh and consecrated water was used for dousing, and people sprinkled each other very carefully so that the water did not get on the head, face and ears ( touching the head is considered a very vulgar gesture in Thailand, which scares away luck from a person). But over time, young people began to simply pour water on each other, and then tourists and the entire population joined in this fun fun.

When is it celebrated?

Thailand celebrates three New Years at the national level.

international new year

The habit of celebrating the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar, from December 31 to January 1, entered Thailand relatively recently - along with tourists and Thais studying or living in the west. The International New Year is celebrated mainly by guests of the country and young people, as well as residents of major cities who try to keep up with global trends.

Chinese New Year

In Thailand, the cultural influence of China is very strong, so Chinese New Year here is one of the biggest national holidays. The date of the holidays is calculated according to the lunar calendar, based on the current phase of the earth's satellite. Therefore, it can be celebrated in January or February.

Thai New Year

In the 21st century, Songkran is celebrated between April 13th and 15th. These dates are considered holidays throughout the country, however, all establishments, shops and hotels will be open, but perhaps not as efficiently as on normal days.

How they celebrate - traditions and customs

Songkran - a holiday full of rituals, each of which needs a separate description.

When does it start and end?

Before Songkran celebration time was calculated according to the ancient Indian astrological calendar: monks and astrologers calculated the desired date from the current position of the stars. In their calculations, discrepancies often arose, which gradually resulted in a stable tradition.

Thai New Year may be celebrated in different provinces on different dates..

Features of rest during the New Year holidays

• the tourism business raises prices on the eve of the holidays, but in parallel with this, he can arrange discount promotions. The same can be said for air carriers;
• places in hotels and elite restaurants are occupied for the entire holiday week, whether it's the regular New Year, Chinese New Year or Songkran. Therefore, they must be purchased in advance;
• massive price cuts in shopping malls. During the New Year holidays, you can buy things and accessories there with very large discounts, sometimes even for -50-70% of the original price;
• everywhere is very noisy and crowded, which is not conducive to a relaxing holiday.

All New Year's Days in Thailand A special and indescribable holiday atmosphere reigns in the air. This bustle inspires, gives moral strength and allows you to get more pleasure from the rest.

ATTENTION! Experienced tourists are advised to avoid visiting Thailand during the Chinese New Year. During this period, hundreds of thousands of tourists from China flock to the country, who behave noisily, litter and move around in huge groups. Neighborhood with them can spoil the rest.

Is it worth it to fly to Thailand for NG - reviews of tourists

It is definitely worth visiting the country during the Songkran period. This bright and wet carnival will be remembered for a lifetime. Other holidays, especially the Chinese New Year, can be neglected.

New Year in Thailand, which is called Songkran there, is celebrated in our time from April 13 to 15. It is after these dates that the protracted rainy season begins in Thailand. It should be said that the people in Thailand love this holiday no less than we do Christmas, but it is celebrated with the same pomp as the carnivals in Brazil. Like our New Year, Songkran Thais celebrate every year. In Thailand, the weather is tentatively divided into 3 main periods:

1. cool period;
2. hot period;
3. rain season.

It is when the hottest period ends, right before the start of the rainy season, that the celebration of the Thai New Year begins.

How are the years counted in Thailand?

If you want to visit Thailand during the celebration of the local New Year, then you need to know one interesting fact. The chronology on the territory of this country is slightly different from what we are used to.

The Thais count the time from the day when the Buddha went to Nirvana, and this, according to their beliefs, happened 543 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. To correctly determine what year it is in Thailand, you need to add the number 543 to the current year in Europe. So, for example, if you add 243 to 2018, we get 2561.

Interestingly, for the Thai population, such a difference in the recording of years is completely imperceptible. Most often, different official documents are drawn up according to the canons of the Gregorian calendar, or the more common version of the year is duplicated in brackets.

Double duplication is most often used specifically for tourists, since it is quite difficult for them to switch to this type of chronology. Holiday lovers will be surprised to learn that in Thailand it is quite customary to celebrate the New Year at least 3 times, namely:

1. Thai New Year (Songkran) - 14 April.
2. New Year by European standards - January 1.
3. Chinese New Year - the number is determined annually by a different number, like Easter and similar holidays.

It is important to note that, by and large, the Thai New Year does not affect the chronology even in Thailand, it is simply celebrated in order to preserve the traditions of the people.

How is the preparation for Songkran going?

Like us, preparations for the New Year in Thailand begin in advance. It is customary for them to get rid of all unnecessary and old things, put things in order in the house and cook different dishes. Most often, delicacies are served on the table according to old Buddhist recipes that have been kept in families for many years.

Any person should take part of the food to the monks in the temple, so the Thais show respect for traditions. Most often, Songkran is celebrated with huge mass festivities in the squares and streets, but some choose gatherings in a narrow circle of friends. The main fun falls on April 13th. At this time, the people in Thailand perform all the necessary rituals, pray, ask for health, strength, love and much more.

After solemn prayers, the time comes for a noisy festivity, to which Thais go in a large crowd. It should be emphasized that any catering establishment these days will be fully prepared to meet visitors, having stocked up on ice, water, talc and clay.

How is New Year celebrated in Thailand?

If you are going to visit Thailand during the passage of Songkran, or if you got into this time period by accident, then you should still get acquainted with a number of Thai traditions. The celebration of the New Year is held there quite brightly and unexpectedly for an ordinary domestic tourist.

If you prefer a quiet holiday to noisy and active parties, then it is better to choose another time to travel. If you got to celebrate the New Year in Thailand, then be prepared:

1. have fun in a huge crowd of raging Thai people;
2. douse with ice water;
3. coat everyone in a row with talcum powder;
4. dance until you drop.

You should not harbor a grudge against the Thai people if you were not lucky enough to get under a jet of icy heat. Since this period in Thailand is famous for its maximum heat, Thais add pieces of ice to the water, which makes the water seem unrealistically cold when it touches the skin.

It is best to indulge in fun with all your heart and feel like a child, because the locals believe that during such rituals the human soul is cleansed and the body gains new energy. The tradition of smearing with talc is explained by the fact that talc cleanses the skin and the person himself from dirt, while protecting him from evil spirits.

The more talcum powder and cold water you get, the more, according to Thai beliefs, you will cleanse your soul of sins and unnecessary filth. However, in addition to dousing with cold water and smearing with talcum powder, Thais also observe a huge number of various kinds of traditions. The first day of Songkran celebration is called Wang Sangan Log.

At this time, people say goodbye to the old year, clean their houses, throw away and burn unnecessary things, freeing houses from negative energy. Monks carry huge Buddha statues along the city streets, hold beauty contests, flower shows, and so on.

The second day of the celebration is called Wang Da, and during it it is customary to dress in new clothes and go to temples. Immediately after the temple, the Thais return home and wash all the Buddha statues at home with sacred water, after which they go to mass festivities on the streets.

It is on this day that everyone tries to douse a passerby with water or sprinkle with talcum powder, and the more unexpected it happens, the better. On this day, you can meet not only a cheerful crowd of students and schoolchildren with bottles, but also entire cars with bottles of water. The final, third day, Thais spend with their relatives and elderly relatives. According to tradition, you need to wash their hands with sacred water, and then sit down to dinner.

What safety rules should be observed in Thailand during the Songkran celebration?

It is important to consider that no one will ask you if you want to douse yourself with water or coat yourself with talcum powder. Any Thai has every right to throw cold water on someone and will not be found guilty, even if you beg not to touch you. You also do not need to take valuables with you, such as cameras and phones. And if you want to have fun too, follow the link