The majority of Thailand's citizens celebrated the Buddhist holiday Loi Krathong yesterday - and so did more than 50 University students. During this Thai national holiday, also called the Thai Festival of Light, lotus flower boats filled with candles and incense are symbolically assembled and placed into bodies of water. With paper, styrofoam plates, potpourri, staples and glue, University students in Stockwell's Blue Lounge constructed their own replica krathongs and sent them off into three water-filled blue sleds. LSA first-year student Srivitta Kengskool, a Thai Student Association member, said the event has several meanings. When Lord Buddha reached enlightenment, each lotus blossom opened up under his footsteps.
Water is important because it is a symbol of prosperity.
Rackham student Mui Komolpis said last night's celebration allowed students remember the November holiday amidst their busy academic responsibilites. Although most students attended the event to celebrate the holiday, some said they were attracted to the event for other reasons. Several students said they were curious to learn about the traditions surrounding Loi Krathong. Engineering sophomore Piradee Talvanna, who explained the holiday's history and significance, said she was pleased to see a large turnout for the event. TSA President Phraythoune Chothmounethinh, an LSA junior, said last night's gathering brought together many TSA members, which is one of the organization's goals.