'The Festival of Light', otherwise know as 'Loi Krathong' is one of the most picturesque festivals in Thailand, and sees people gathering around lakes, rivers and canals to pay their respects to the goddess of water by releasing candle-lit rafts beautifully decorated with flowers onto the water.

The annual event celebrated throughout the kingdom of Thailand takes place on the night of the full moon, on the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar (which is November in the Western calendar). Loi Krathong literally translates into English as 'floating banana tree trunk' and these little candle-lit rafts are a symbol of new beginnings. The act of placing the lit 'krathong' on the water is supposed to carry away all your problems and bad luck and is a time to give gratitude.

 

In recent times, the practice of giving gratitude has grown in popularity in the west due to it's far reaching effects on improving mental health. Research has suggested that giving thanks can improve relationships and help you sleep better, whilst a recent study in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that keeping a gratitude journal decreased materialism and bolstered generosity amongst adolescents.

Why not start counting your own blessings during Thailand's Festival of Light?

It takes very little time but has hugely positive results. Here are some of the ways you could start your own gratitude practice:

• Replicate a little traditional Thai culture in your own home and create a Loi Krathong stye gratitude practice with a bowl of water and some floating candles. Light the candles and express out loud what you are grateful for. You could even make a wish.
• Keep a gratitude journal and write down 3 things that you are grateful for every day. Finding joy in the ordinary is what being thankful is all about. Even on the worst of days, being grateful for the small things we all take for granted and being conscious of their existence and importance will give you a boost of positivity.
• Share your graititude with others. Whether it's a friend, your partner, a colleague or the lady who served you at the supermarket, if they have done womething you appreciate, let them know!

 

 

Refesh & Renew

Loi Krathaong is also a time in Thailand when people make wishes for the new year, cleasing the mind and body of negativity and misfortune. Why not celebrate Loi Krathong at award-winning Thai spa, SenSpa with a spa day to  mentally and physically refresh and renew. The healing properties of our spa waters combine with authentic Thai therapies and delicious Thai cuisine to leave your body glowing, your mind renewed and your spirit soothed.