28 NOVEMBER 2012 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: School girls prepare to launch their krathong on Loy Krathong at Wat Yannawa in Bangkok. Loy Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. Loy means 'to float', while krathong refers to the usually lotus-shaped container which floats on the water. Traditional krathongs are made of the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant. Now, many people use krathongs of baked bread which disintegrate in the water and feed the fish. A krathong is decorated with elaborately folded banana leaves, incense sticks, and a candle. A small coin is sometimes included as an offering to the river spirits. On the night of the full moon, Thais launch their krathong on a river, canal or a pond, making a wish as they do so.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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