Monday was Loy Krathong.
I bought my Krathong at a roadside stand for about $1.
Loy Krathong is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar and usually falls in November.
"Loi" means "to float". The "Krathong" is a raft about a hand span in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves and flowers, and includes at least one candle and three incense sticks. During the nigh
t of the full moon, people release their Kratongs on a body of water.
It is said that Loy Krathong originated in India as a Hindu festival. His Majesty King Rama IV's writings (1863) stated it was adapted by Buddhists in Thailand as a ceremony to honor the original Buddha, Siddhartha Guatama. It honors the Buddha with light and the act of floating away is symbolic of letting go of grudges and anger to restart the year on a better foot. People also cut their fingernails and hair and add them to the krathong as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of themselves. It is believed that floating a krathong will create good luck and the fulfillment of wishes, and it also honors and thanks the Goddess of Water.
Armelle, my new colleague, and I went to celebrate Loy Kratong at a nearby lake. The people at the Loy Krathong festival we attended were 90% Thai families and couples (despite being held at a resort catering to foreigners). 
Families prayed and sent off their Kratongs together. It was another evening full of heart.
