lanterns of love
Summer of 2012 was the first time I swam in
stars. In November of 2013 I was lucky enough to add some to the sky.
One evening two summers ago in Pakoštane, Mick
and I were having one of our usual life chats as we overlooked the water. We
watched the moonlight dance along the waves, hypnotizing us with its rhythmic beat
until we noticed something within the water. Brilliant light was breathing
under the sea, inhaling and exhaling. These beautiful, florescent rays of light
were holding their own playful performance. We later found out that is was
phosphorescent plankton. When the moon is full and water is warm, the glow in
the dark plankton are highly visible and extremely mesmerizing.
Later that summer, some other wonderful souls,
Mick, and I jumped into the Adriatic and swam with the plankton. As we dived
down and played around, the plankton lit up and surrounded us. It was as if we
were flying in a galaxy of infinite stars.
Our hearts were full and smiles wide.
You could not tell the difference between the starry Croatian sky and
the bedazzled sea.
18 months later this wonderful world has brought
me to Thailand, right in time for Loi Krathong. This festival is held on the
eve of the full moon during the 12th month of the traditional Thai
calendar. Lanterns are released into the sky and decorated floats are sailed
down rivers. History notes this ritual as means of giving thanks to the water
Goddess, Pra Mae Khongkha, for using and dirtying her water, as well as
thanking Buddha and asking for a bright future.
After experiencing the magical moment for myself, I believe the festival
creates a unique opportunity to collect pure peace, honest thanks, and true
love in one space.
A few friends, fellow teachers, and I decided to
head up north to Chiang Mai for Loi Krathong.
Another weekend, another overnight bus trip. Laura and I booked our bus
tickets a day too late so we had to take the cheaper, economy bus for 15
hours. I was expecting to see the Thai’s
version of a school bus, equipped with hard seats and no air conditioning, so
when a regular coach bus finally pulled up I was pleasantly surprised – until I
sat down. Ohh the agony of being 5’10” in
a land of people reaching only 5 feet tall. My legs were too long to fit in the
cramped seats so I either had to straddle the seat in front of me and turn my body
sideways so my legs extended into the aisle. Nevertheless, it was an
uncomfortable and cold ride – but that is the price you pay when you want to
travel cheap!
We finally arrived in Chiang Mai and made our
way to Mojito House Hostel, eager to walk, eat, and explore. We met a very kind British girl on our bus
ride and she soon joined us at our hostel and for the festivities. The three of us strolled around the city,
wandering down windy lanes and finding hidden treasures of shops and
restaurants. The old town of Chiang Mai stands within a walled fortress and is buffered
by a moat. It guards sacred temples and rambunctious markets. It is home to a
large expat community that blends seamlessly into the local lifestyle. Chiang
Mai is the second largest city in Thailand so it is quite built up; however, it
has not lost its Thai charm. The city is circled by grand mountains so it can
easily maintain his bohemian edge. There is no chaotic bustle like Bangkok, just
a delicious fusion of culture, sophistication, and tradition.
Every tourist, shopkeeper, or passerby we spoke
to told us different facts and directions about the festival. We were hoping to
go to the grand release of Lanterns but heard mixed reviews of where to go.
Some told us we missed it, but that there would be a parade and the ceremony of
the floating lanterns in the river. Eventually, we solved the riddle and
planned to go to the temple behind Mae Jo University for the lantern release.
Luckily, our accommodation’s sister hostel organized travel to and from the
university that was only 20 kilometers away (meaning an hour with Thai traffic).
I boarded the Songtaew without expectations. I would have been happy to see one
lantern, let alone hundreds of thousands.
Traffic grew to be too much so we hopped off our
safe red truck and followed the ant line to the festival grounds. The energy
was already buzzing and bouncing around. As we walked through the gate we
entered a spacious field where Thai families, seasoned travelers, local expats,
professionals, and students all congregated.
Everyone was seated, patiently waiting for the ceremonies to commence
and busying themselves with anticipatory chatter. Our large group found an open
spot with a clear view of the monks and a panoramic shot of the field.
We spent the next hour or so watching stray
lanterns scatter light among the darkening sky. As twilight struck, announcers –
in Thai, English, and Chinese – taught us how to properly bow properly, safely light
the lanterns safely, and humbly say a few prayers. The rituals began and an awed silence
blanketed the crowd. The space pulsated with peaceful and positive vibes. The
gathering bowed, prayed, and gave thanks to whichever God they believe in.
The hosts directed us to light our lanterns and
hold on to them so we can release them in unison. One by one, fires ignited and
glowed through the incandescent paper. I looked around and saw warm faces and
genuine smiles blooming in the candlelight. Excitement and anticipation was
running through everyone’s veins, causing a few to prematurely release their
lanterns. We took turns helping each other light these massive lanterns, so
giddy that it was all actually happening. The announcer’s voice boomed, giving
us the signal to release these gentle messages to a heavenly God above.
Everyone spun in circles to digest the view. It
was simply magical. Words and pictures cannot attempt to describe nor reflect
the breathtaking beauty of a hundred thousand lanterns being released into the
night sky.
Before I released my first lantern I said an
honest prayer from my full heart. I released it to join to the others, giving
thanks to my Nana, blessing baby boy McBride, and asking to heal sweet little Holly.
I stood in awe watching the lanterns join together and form a galaxy over us. I
honored each lantern to a loved one, placing their souls into the dazzling sky
above.
A very loving Thai family sat next to us in the
grass. The mother cradled her infant in her arms as the older brother played
games with his dad. The love between them was evident and fascinating.
After I lit one of my lanterns, I thought it was filled enough with the hot air for it to be released; but the mother gently placed her hand on mine and said ‘It’s not ready yet’ with a kind smile. Perhaps she was just offering polite advice, but to me she spoke volumes.
A reoccurring lesson in my life is that we must wait until the timing is right. We may be handed the skills, opportunities, and tools in the present; however, we must practice temperance and patience until the moment comes when we can let them flourish. We must learn at a mediocre job before we begin our dream career. We must survive a tumultuous relationship in order to enjoy the ease of a healthy one. We must love ourselves before we give our hearts to another. We must fall deeply off the path so that can find ourselves in a new light. We must wait until our lantern is filled before we can release it. We must wait until the timing is right.
After I lit one of my lanterns, I thought it was filled enough with the hot air for it to be released; but the mother gently placed her hand on mine and said ‘It’s not ready yet’ with a kind smile. Perhaps she was just offering polite advice, but to me she spoke volumes.
A reoccurring lesson in my life is that we must wait until the timing is right. We may be handed the skills, opportunities, and tools in the present; however, we must practice temperance and patience until the moment comes when we can let them flourish. We must learn at a mediocre job before we begin our dream career. We must survive a tumultuous relationship in order to enjoy the ease of a healthy one. We must love ourselves before we give our hearts to another. We must fall deeply off the path so that can find ourselves in a new light. We must wait until our lantern is filled before we can release it. We must wait until the timing is right.
I left Chiang Mai with my heart and soul
bursting with gratitude. Once again I have found myself in an incredible place
witnessing the beauty of love.
We are blessed with a beautiful world that is filled
with rich cultures and honored traditions. Take time to learn about them and
embrace what they offer. You may just find yourself in a radiant sea of light
and love.
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