Making Candles for the Festival of Lights (Thailand)
The Festival of Lights (Loi Krathong Festival) takes place
in Thailand (and other South Asia areas) at the end of the rainy season,
when the rice has been planted. It is an offering to the water gods. Small
boats (kratong) in the shape of lotus flowers with a candle in the middle,
are floated on rivers and canals at night. They are traditionally made
from folded banana leaves wrapped around a disk cut from a banana stalk.
Materials:
-
Aluminum foil cupcake holders
-
Card
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Tea light candles
Method:
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Cut 12 leaves about 5 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide.
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Glue one circle of 6 leaves around the outside of a cupcake holder, so
that the leaves are pointing upwards.
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Glue second ring of 6 leaves around the outside of the first ring.
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When dry, bend the leaves away from the center of the flower. Bend the
outer ring more than the inner ring.
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Place tea light in foil holder.
Place candle and holder in a wide dish of water so that it floats. Light
the candle (it may be easier to light the candle before placing it in the
holder). Several candles and holders could be used a table centerpiece.
A variation is to cover the leaves with aluminum foil.
Contributed by:
Liz Watts
Tres Condados Girl Scout Council, California, USA
Ex Guider and Adviser, UK
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This page last updated October 26th, 1999