Description:

Most of you are familiar with the delightful Thai festival called Loy Krathong, but how many of you know about Yee Peng or the Lantern Festival which takes place at the same time every year? Yee Peng is celebrated in northern Thailand on the full moon of the 12th month. It is a religious event where various types of lanterns are put up in front of the house to show devotion to the Buddha, including the sky lanterns to worship the deities in the high heaven. In addition to hanging lanterns, the Lanna people light small candles called “Phang Pratheep” to show gratitude to all their benefactors including the house and walls that protect them. Yee Peng coincides with the Loy Krathong festival that originated in central Thailand and they share common beliefs.

In this workshop, led by Ajarn Waewdao, an expert in Lanna culture, you will learn about the origins and traditions associated with Yee Peng. You will then participate in a craft workshop, making your own “Phang Pratheep” as well as a rabbit ear lantern. (Koam Hoo Kratai). Finally, you will learn how to dance the traditional line dance called “ramwong” which is always a key part of these two festivals.

Be ready for Yee Peng and Loy Krathong which will be on November 27 and 28 this year by participating in this fun hands-on workshop!

Ajarn Waewdao is a choreographer/ dancer from Chiang Rai who first studied dance within her village community. In 2005 she went to UCLA in the US to earn an MFA in Dance/Choreography. She was a 2006 APPEX Fellow and a recipient of a major fellowship from the Asian Cultural Council. She currently teaches Lanna dance at a variety of locations in Chiang Mai.

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