As you may be aware, I’ve recently returned home from Youth Ministries Australia’s Immerse Thailand Mission Project, based in and around Korat in Northeast Thailand.
Our team concluded our Thailand adventures by participating in the first day of the Songkran new year water festival – it’s certainly a unique and colourful event, running from 13-15 April during the Summer (hot-dry) holiday season right across the Country.
Songkran appears (at least from my perspective) to be one crazy, all-in, non-stop National water fight – people of all ages seem to get involved; they use buckets, hoses and super-soakers to saturate anyone and everyone. People parade the streets by foot, ute, truck, bus and motorbike and there are definitely no water restrictions!!
Songkran raises a few questions for me and I’m interested to understand more about the symbolism and background of this festival.
The use of water in Songkran is indeed symbolic – it represents the process of purification and cleansing through the washing away of any misfortunes and evils from the past year, welcoming in the new year with a fresh, clean start.
Thanksgiving is also a central cultural value of Songkran. This is demonstrated in ceremonies such as the bathing of Buddha statues and the pouring of perfumed water over the hands of elders and respected individuals. I personally experienced this hand-watering custom following a local church service during our time in Korat.
During Songkran there is a traditional custom of ‘spring cleaning’ in temples and some family homes. Also included is merit-making and offering food and alms to monks. People wear brightly coloured floral shirts and there is the hands-on application of white floury paste/powder across people’s faces as a sign of protection, warding off evil.
My limited research tells me there is indeed significant spiritual meaning and tradition associated with Songkran; something I suspect that may be lost amongst the younger generations throughout Thailand who seem more intent on having some extreme fun with water-throwing, loud music, alcohol consumption, late nights and other exploits…I can’t help thinking that for so many this festival is spiritually shallow.
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With the experience of Songkran fresh in my mind, I’m now back at home with an Australian Easter long-weekend closing in – a distinctly different season with its own sense of spiritual meaning, traditions and symbolism.
I wonder what a predominantly unchurched, non-Christian Aussie society sees as the most important symbols of Easter..?
I expect many would see a few days off work and the opportunity to get away and hang out with family and friends as sacred (well, maybe they wouldn’t use the term ‘sacred’). Many Aussie children would undoubtedly identify chocolate eggs and rabbits plus hot cross buns as being significant symbols.
I know my own family certainly appreciates the chocolate and hot cross bun treats we can enjoy at Easter – there’s always an abundance to choose from!!
But, I also know that my family appreciates the deeper spiritual significance of Easter as a time when we can especially remember and reflect upon the death and resurrection of Jesus.
On Wednesday evening we will celebrate a ‘last supper’ family communion time at home – we’ll sit around a candlelit table together. We’ll read God’s Word. We’ll say some prayers. It will be a quiet and meaningful shared experience.
There are several simple yet significant symbols featured during this sacred time; unleavened bread and cups of grape juice. Christians the world over will relate to them, as has been the case for many generations.
These symbols communicate to us the deep truths of what Easter is really about…and it’s something we can remember during any season of the year.
“He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” Luke 22:19
“This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” Luke 22:20
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