Interesting. Thanks again.

Hilmar.

>Far from it.
>
>According to my research, Buddhist New Year:
>In Theravadin countries, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, the new year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April. In Mahayana countries the new year starts on the first full moon day in January. However, the Buddhist New Year depends on the country of origin or ethnic background of the people. As for example, Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese celebrate late January or early February according to the lunar calendar, whilst the Tibetans usually celebrate about one month later.
>
>
>tracy
>
>>Thanks for the information. Do you happen to know whether this day is, in general, the new year for all buddhists?
>>
>>Hilmar.
>>
>>>The Thai New Year festival is called Songkran and lasts for three days from 13 to 15 April according to the gregorian calendar. The customs are many such as people throw water over one another, under the guise of that it will bring good rains in the coming year and all the Buddha statues or images are washed. They visit the monastery to pray and offer gifts of rice, fruit, sweets and other foods for the monks.
>>>
>>>Found it on the web. I don't know if this is still true though!
>>>
>>>I also found a somewhat slightly different interpretation:
>>>
>>>Water and string are crucial to welcoming the Thai New Year, Songkran. During the four days of festivities, which fall in mid-April, people sprinkle and douse each other with perfumed water to symbolize cleansing and renewal. In public displays of Rod Nahm Dum Hua, the water splashing gets a little wild, but in the home, the ceremony takes on a gentler and more sincere feeling.
>>>
>>>Traditionally, the younger household members carefully pour the jasmine petal scented water over the shoulder and down the back or on the hands of older relatives while uttering blessings and good wishes for the good year. In return, the elders ask for forgiveness for any harsh words they may have used in the past year and offer a blessing and words of wisdom to the youngsters.
>>>
>>>After the last drop of water from silver bowls is tossed and kind words are string around someone else's wrist while reciting a short blessing prayer. It is an honor to receive the strings and they are left on until they falls off by themselves. exchanged, it's time for the string tying ritual. It involves the tying of
>>>
>>>Of course Songkran also includes the standard motions of cleaning your house, washing Buddha statues with perfumed water, visiting temples bearing gifts of preserved foods, prepared dishes, fresh fruit and new robes for the monks. These important activities are a must and are labeled "merit-making" for a reason