Loy Krathong (Gra tong)

This colorful ceremony is held on the evening of November 14 each year. In schools, children make floats made with flowers, incense, and candles on a 2-inch piece of banana stalk. Once darkness falls, parents bring their children to the river, pond, or ocean. They take their small float, say a prayer to the goddess of the water (mother nature) asking for forgiveness for polluting the waters, light the incense and candle, add some money, and then float away their sins with the tide. It is our prayer that Thais will come to know Jesus, the only one who can really wash away their sins.