HHAD
10 April 09
in cahoots with
HUA HIN AFTER DARK.COM FREE
WEEKLY
ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE FOR THE EXPAT IN ALL OF US What’s happening, and might be happening, in Hua Hin
Splashdown! HUA HIN, THAILAND Following one of the hottest, driest spells in recent history, Songkran 2009 (13 - 15 April) is going to come as a relief to many in the Hua Hin area. Taking place against a backdrop of more political unrest, the global economic crisis and a general feeling of depression, it is expected that most people are going to throw themselves into the event with a little more gusto this year to try and purge the bad feelings that are constantly present. To first time observers and possibly unwilling participants in this festival, it may seem a bizarre and illogical event - at a time when water reserves will be close to their low point, come out on the streets and throw water everywhere! However there is a lot more to Songkran, certainly when seen in a more traditional setting. Most Thais head home for the anywhere between 3 days and 7 days duration, to enjoy a break punctuated by religious ceremonies amongst family. For them it’s a time to express thanks to those they respect, loyalty to ancestors, an awareness of family and social responsibilities and their religious devotion. A period of transition, it’s also a time for new beginnings. Songkran, derived from Sanskrit, means ‘a move over’ or ‘change’, marking the time when the sun leaves Pisces and shifts into the Aries zodiac for the beginning of a new solar year. To mark this ‘pi mai’ (new year) and get it off to an auspicious start, Thais clean. Everything from Buddha statues in streets to temples and houses gets a renewing
wash; meanwhile anything old or unused is thrown out (believed to bring bad luck). They perform bathing rites for monks, and engage in pious activities like giving alms, Dhamma practice and listening to sermons to rinse the spirit clean, to wash away the previous year’s bad actions. They sprinkle water on parents and elders, and shower them with gifts. Thais believe that bad luck or evil is washed away by water, the person purified, and the pouring of a small amount of holy water on another person’s hand or shoulder, confers respect and goodwill. Elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity. Due to the great movement of people over Songkran this means both congested roads and more dangerous ones - every year thousands are killed or injured before during and after the official holiday - make sure to keep ‘em peeled if out and about and proceed a little more cautiously than normal, as the water outside and, for many, the liquid inside makes for hazardous driving conditions. We don’t want you to become
Songkran 2008 in Hua Hin another Songkran statistic almost gleefully announced every day by the media. AWOL says - GET WET, STAY SAFE.
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