SONGKRAN Meaning and
Definition
-
Songkran is a traditional Thai festival that marks the Thai New Year. This term originates from the Sanskrit language, where "song" refers to "move" or "change" and "kran" means "year." The festival is predominantly celebrated in Thailand, as well as other countries with significant Thai communities.
Songkran typically takes place from the 13th to the 15th of April and is widely recognized as a time to welcome the new year by paying homage to ancestors, performing religious rituals, and engaging in various water-related activities and festivities. It is characterized by the throwing and splashing of water, symbolizing cleansing, purification, and the washing away of misfortunes. Water guns, buckets, and even elephants with water-filled trunks are often used as instruments of merriment during this period.
In addition to water festivities, Songkran also involves visiting temples to make merit, participating in processions, and pouring water over Buddha statues as an act of respect. Families gather to share meals, exchange blessings, and pay respects to elders, seeking their guidance and blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
The significance of Songkran extends beyond mere celebration, as it holds deep cultural and spiritual symbolism for Thai people. It encompasses values of renewal, unity, gratitude, and the preservation of traditional customs. Songkran unites communities, strengthens family bonds, and encourages people to reflect on the past while welcoming a fresh start with optimism and joy.
Etymology of SONGKRAN
The word "Songkran" has its origins in the Sanskrit language. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "saṅkrānti" (संक्रान्ति), which means "astrological passage" or "crossing of one zodiac sign to another". The term "Songkran" specifically refers to the traditional New Year festival celebrated in Thailand and some other Southeast Asian countries. The festival marks the transition from one astrological year to another, often during mid-April.
