Frog Baby fountain was a little brighter than usual Fridaynight. Candles floated on the water as people celebrated LoyKrathong, part of the Focus on Asia events.
The Loy Krathong takes place during a full moon on the 12thlunar month. Ball State University's version of the festival tookplace Friday night. Twenty-five people gathered around the display,listened to the traditions of the ceremony, heard the Loy Krathongceremonial song, and floated their tiny candles that evening.
Loy Krathong was created more than 100 years ago to pay homageto Mae Khong Kha, the goddess of water. The Thai people wash awaytheir sins from the past year by releasing their tiny ships down abody of water.
"They float leaves on the water to say 'thanks' and 'sorry' tothe mother of water," said Ball State student ApapanKulopongse.
She explained that the Thai people make boats from bananaleaves, three joss-sticks, some flowers and coins. Some people evenpersonalize their boats by putting in their own hair and nails.
"In Thailand, they celebrate with lots of fireworks and dress innational costumes," Kulopongse said.
For young couples, the festival allows them to "peek" into thefuture. It is believed that if the kranthongs made by the couplestay afloat and move in the same direction, they will have a brightfuture together.
The Focus on Asia program has been extended from one week to onemonth from last year. The celebration is all part of theAsian-American appreciation month. Last year, around 60 peopleattended the Loy Krathong celebration. This year, only half thatnumber came to learn about the tradition.
Ball State student Chuket Ounjitti was disappointed in the smallturnout.
"It's very popular," Ounjitti said. "It's an event you expectpeople to come to."
But there were several students who came wanting to learn aboutother people's customs. Nils Jaeger from Germany was one of thosestudents.
"My friend is from Thailand and I wanted to pay respect," Jaegersaid.
The Loy Krathong tradition has a deeper meaning than just afestival and a floating boat. The celebration is a way for Thailandto express gratitude and combines the values of humanity withnature. It can be compared to the American holiday ofThanksgiving.
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