The legend dates back to over seven hundred years ago in the beautiful kingdom of Sukhothai. Once a year all the local people would make small little lanterns and float them down the river in honor of the Buddha.

A lady with great skill named Naang Noparamart was working in the royal palace. She loved to make little lotus-shaped "Krathong" with banana leaves and float them on the water with a candle, incense, and other decorations as a special present to Buddha. On this day the King came to the river to judge the water lanterns and awarded Naang Noparamart first prize. He then decided that once a year there should be an official celebration where lotus-shaped banana leaves, like the ones Naang had made, would be floated down the river on full moon.

Today the tradition is now celebrated with wish lanterns, fireworks and floating water lanterns to become one of the most well-known festivals in Thailand. The floating water lanterns represent life and new beginnings.

We attended our own water lantern festival in Laurelhurst Park on Saturday. Such a great way to celebrate family and new beginnings as Mama starts a new job and Bryce finishes out another school year.