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Tami's BlogThe proper way of saying it in Thai - Sawadee Pi Mai !
Tami Lancut Leibovitz
I have just recently returned from the magical kingdom of Thailand, a country that charmed me with its stunning views, unique culture and most of all - pleasant, spiritual and interesting people I met along the way.
That’s why I’m excited to wish the great nation of Thailand a happy new year greeting, or even better, in the proper way of saying it in Thai - Sawadee Pi Mai !
The Thai new year is held by the sun calendar and usually is celebrated between the 13th and 15th of April. The New Year is a traditional, religious and family celebration in Thailand and surrounding countries – Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. The holiday has a few customs attached to it such as visiting temples, family reunions and paying respect to elderly in the community. But the most known and unique holiday custom of them all is the one that gives this holiday the nickname, the “Holiday of water”.
The Thai people go out to the streets with water buckets and getting everyone wet! You can join the wet parades and carnivals, the people spraying water on each other or you can be part of washing Buddha statues as an act of respect. If you visit Thailand on those dates, you might get wet – but not from the tropical rain, from everyone around you!
Another beautiful custom for the holiday, touched my heart and inspired me. It’s a custom that is also inspired by the cleanliness and purity of water. The Thai people believe hoarding and keeping things you have no use for them in the house, will bring bad luck. So during the holiday they get rid of things in the house, throw away items that they don’t need or pass it on to others that need it. What a great way to clear the soul and…encourage spring cleaning!
HAPPY NEW YEAR THAILAND!