Analytic
Thứ hai, ngày 02/01/2026

Tin tức mới nhất về: Purification ritual

The New Year of Songkran is a cultural heritage of Thailand

The New Year of Songkran is a cultural heritage of Thailand

English review | Anh Vu - 13:08, 03/05/2026
(DTTG) - Abstract: Songkran originates from the Sanskrit term Sankranti, which means transfer or entry. In ancient Brahmanical tradition, this is the time when the Sun completes its cycle in Pisces and enters Aries. For Thais, Songkran is a milestone in the calendar and a transitional ritual. This is the boundary between the old and the new, between the dust of the world and the purity of the spirit. Songkran is a sacred space where people perform purification rituals to cast off the misfortunes of the old year and welcome the blessings of the new year. This article analyzes the Songkran festival of Thailand, clarifying its origins and adaptations within Theravada Buddhism and indigenous Thai beliefs; Decoding the symbolism of “water”, “sand tower”, practices for cleansing karma and accumulating merit; Assessing the role of Songkran in shaping national identity and status after its recognition by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2023.