Every year, the Thais and everyone who is in Thailand celebrate a traditional holiday known as Songkran. The word comes from Sanskrit with the literal meaning of "astrological passage" or, put more simply, "transformation" or "movement". The Thais determine the start of the celebration based on when the sun enters Aries (a constellation) marking a new solar year. What soon follows is, hopefully, rain, and a bountiful harvest for the people of Thailand.
I learned about Songkran from many of my Thai friends. As the Thai New Year holiday, Songkran is celebrated on April 13th but often lasts much longer than that, sometimes extending to multiple weeks! The whole nation has a water fight to celebrate, and people take part in this over several days! This holiday is official for five days, from April 12 to 16; this time is set aside so that citizens can travel home for the holiday.
The community has this tradition because, from before humans can remember, the beginning of rain or spring and thus the coming prosperity has been a cause for joy. And this fact is no less true in Thailand! This is why the celebration continues to be so popular and fun!
