Thai Myth | Songkran (Thai New Year)

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There are many New Year celebrations around the world

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There are many New Year celebrations around the world. Have you heard of Songkran? This is known as Thai New Year!

Songkran is a national holiday in Thailand that happens on April 13th annually, but it is extended to April 15th, so it lasts from April 13th to April 15th. The word "Songkran" means "astrological passage" which alludes to change. It coincides with the change from Pisces to Aries on the astrological chart. Originally, Songkran was the official new year, but this changed in 1888 and in 1940. In 2018 and 2019, Songkran was moved to April 12th to April 16th, and in 2019.

April 13th is known as Maha Songkran – the day that the sun moves into Aries; April 14th is known as Wan Nao – the day between the old and new year; and April 15th is known as Wan Thaloeng Sok – New Year's Day.

April 13th is known as Maha Songkran – the day that the sun moves into Aries; April 14th is known as Wan Nao – the day between the old and new year; and April 15th is known as Wan Thaloeng Sok – New Year's Day

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The origins of Songkran date back to the death of Kapila Brahma, a sage

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The origins of Songkran date back to the death of Kapila Brahma, a sage. There once was a wealthy man and his drunk neighbor. This drunkard had two songs who would belittle the rich man for not having any children. The wealthy man reached out to the gods of the Sun and the Moon, asking them to grant him a son. His prayers failed until he offered cooked rice to a tree god, who lived in a banyan tree. The child was born and named Thammabal.

This child was quite clever because he was able to learn the three vedas, the language of the birds, and also able to teach people how to avoid sin. When Kapila Brahma discovered the child, he wanted to test him.

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