Celebrate

by Elisa Athonvarangkul

"Trick-or-treat!" "Gobble, gobble!"  There is no doubt that when fall arrives in the United States, Americans think of Halloween and Thanksgiving.  While we disguise ourselves in costumes and go trick-or- treating, or give thanks as we have our turkey and stuffing, people around the world are celebrating other cultural customs including moon- gazing in China, lighting bonfires in England, and floating kratongs in Thailand.

On the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, September 24th this year, the Chinese celebrate Zhongqiujie - also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or the Moon Festival.  This celebration is marked with moon gazing, eating moon cakes, and fireworks displays. Families and loved ones all gather to admire the beautiful moon.  For the Chinese, the full moon is an auspicious symbol of abundance, harmony, and luck.  In addition, Chinese legend says there is a beautiful lady, Chang Er, who lives on the moon and to whom young Chinese girls would pray during this special occasion. 

Each fall, the English celebrate the fact that Parliament and James I were not blown up by Guy Fawkes. In 1605, Fawkes and a group of conspirators unsuccessfully attempted to blow up the House of Parliament to kill King James I and the entire Parliament.  The conspirators believed the king had been exiling Jesuits from England.  They wanted to take power away from the king and return the country to the Catholic faith.  Fawkes and his helpers were caught on the eve of the intended attacked and were beheaded in 1606.  On the 5th of November every year since 1605, every town and village in England observes Guy Fawkes Night also known as Bonfire Night by lighting bonfires, setting off fireworks, eating toffee apples, ginger cakes and burning "Guys" in effigy.  As well, children go around collecting "a penny for the Guy," similar to children in the US go around trick-or-treating.    

Every year on the full moon of the 12th lunar calendar, November 22 this year, Thais celebrate Loi Kratong - a tradition that originated hundreds of years ago in the first Thai capital, Sukhothai.  Thais float miniature floats with candles called kratongs, handmade from banana leaves, in rivers throughout the country at midnight.  In ancient times, this ceremony was performed to excuse oneself from the spirit, Phra Mae Kongkha, who is believed to guard the river, and to let one's sins float away.  Water was and still is very important to Thai people because of its numerous uses such as boating, irrigation, drinking and others.  Thus, Thais also take this opportunity to express their gratitude.  In addition, there are fireworks, folk dancing, float pageants and a Miss Loi Kratong pageant - a lady who would represent the beauty of the woman, Nang Nopamaht, who first started this traditional festival.

As you can see, there is much to celebrate in various parts of the world in different ways during this season.  However, it can be agreed that everyone will be celebrating something in common in a couple of weeks- a new millennium, century, decade and year, whether it be with traditional customs or newly created traditions.  Celebrate!