Kids spraying water guns and adults throwing buckets of ice water lined the streets this past week as Thais celebrated Songkran – the Thai New Year.
Every year an insane nationwide water fight breaks out as people either 1) hide at home and watch TV all week, 2) try to be normal and go to work while getting soaked on the way there, or 3) buy a bucket and water gun and head to a major road to throw water on all bicyclists, motorcycles, and pedestrians passing by. We chose option #3.
While Songkran has evolved into a holiday of partying and other madness, it all started with something more noble. Thais believe water washes away bad luck and helps usher in prosperity. So, back in the day, people would simply splash a few sprinkles of water on friends and relatives as a way of saying ???????????? (happy new year).
But in modern day Chiang Mai, Songkran is now more about buying as much ice as possible to put in the water so it shocks people when they get a bucket-full thrown in their face as they drive their motorcycle down the road. Yes, one of the many joys of the Thai new year.
If only we were closer to you all, our friends and family, we would happily throw a gallon of freezing cold water at you, too! Happy Thai New Year!
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