Catoctin clarion., 1902-02-20
Letter from the AntipOdes.
FRoM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
IN THE FAR EAST.

BANGKOK, SIAM, DEC. "a, 1901.
Rice is the chief production of Siam. 1t
is of excellent quality aud brings better
price than in most other countries and is ex
ported to almost all parts If the world
The Rex Nah Holidays marks the begin
ming of rice planting; the best translation one
can give is the Ploughing Festival The
Minister of Agriculture is vested with full
power to act In the Kings stead and to be
his proxy in holding the plough, breaks up
the ground and sows the first rice Of the
year. The Minister is escorted by public
procession to the field where the first break
ing of ground takes place, a shed having been
prepared for the ceremony, the Minister en-
ters it attended by a company of Brahma
priests. These perform variety of symbol
ical rites over pair of oxen decorated with
flowers and fastened to the plough which is
also adorned. The Minister holds the pow
while the oxen are driven over the ground
for an hour or less. Four elderly ladies OF
the Kings household take consecratcd paddy
(rice) and SOW over the plot where 1t Is lett
uncovered Part of the rice is gathered up
by the people and added TO their seed rice
tor good luck.
The Royal Birthday occurs during the
rainy season--the twentyfirst day Of Septem.
ber-but is postponed until the eighteenth
of November, Coronation day, and both
events are celebrated at the same time. The
day previous the whole city is made beau,i-
ful with flags, lanterns and bunting, and at
night the whole place is one blaze OF light:
the river front presents the most beautiful
appearance and the beauty is enhanced by
all nf the ships III the harbor being lighted
with either cocoanut oil into which large
wicks are inserted which give bewitching
light made by the air moving the wicks in
the tumblers, or by electricity. The Navy
Yard and the Palace grounds exceeded every
thing else, but many beautiful desigus in
electricity appeared on both sides of the
river for miles We were fortunate enough
to be invited to dance the same night on
the Royal Yacht. Maha Cha Kri, and also
see the King 60 by 10 the Royal Launch.
As the Kings Launch passed the Royal
Yacht the band played the National anthem,
and fire works were sci OF. The King
st Nod up bowing very pleasantly. He after
ward viewed the whole river and was much
pleased with the demonstration OF the people
by whom he is much beloved. l have seen
him on three or four occasions since and he
has always been received with hearty good
will by his subjects. He speaks good Eng
llsh and is most highly thought Of by all
foreigners.
Shortly after the Royal Birthday comes the
"Loy Krathong", the official name is Karn
10y Phra Prathip. Krathrong is small
basket made Of fresh plsntain leaves contain.
ing offerings for devas, spirits, etc, viz:
flowers, incense, sticks, rice, tapers etc.. and
sometimes money. The amusements OF these
holidays consist in sending afioat down the
river these small baskets or boats with :apers
lighted, or fireworks, as offerings TO the
Water Spirits The night is turned into day
with light flashing everywhere and reflected
from the water The river seems alive with
floating boats and RATS all brilliantly lighted
bearing their offerings Of betle, tobacco, rice