Loy Krathong 2023

Beyond the full moon and the brimming canals, another vivid memory of the annual Loy Krathong festival is ‘Nang Noppamas’, the most poised lady chosen during this celebration. But do you know the origin and why Nang Noppamas, a traditional figure, plays such a pivotal role in the festival? While concrete evidence of her existence remains elusive, the legend of Nang Noppamas is woven into the tapestry of the festival, originating from ancient times as a figure involved in the invention of Krathong, a tradition that has been passed down through Thailand’s history. It is said that Nang Noppamas was a remarkably beautiful woman, adorned with grace and diverse knowledge in literature, craftsmanship, and even vocal abilities. She embodies the ideal educated woman of that era. There’s a belief that Nang Noppamas was an eminent woman born in the prestigious Brahman clan during the Sukhothau period. She was the daughter of Phra Sri Mohoth and Nang Rewadee, rising to prominence during the reign of King Lithai (also known as King U-Thong and King Ramathibodi I), later acclaimed with the title ‘Thao Sri Chulalak’. At the time, she was anointed as Thailand’s first female poet laureate for her literary contributions in ‘Thao Sri Chulalak’s Verse Book’, used as a guideline for the ladies in waiting in the palace. Additionally, she conceptualized a lotus-shaped floating krathong adorned with natural materials and flowers for the water lantern ceremony, evolving into the ‘Krathong’ prototype in later times. Nonetheless, despite the long-standing historical narratives, categorizing Nang Noppamas solely as a legend concocted during the early Rattanakosin period may hold merit. The vernacular used in ‘Thao Sri Chulalak’s Verse Book’ differs from the language found in the Sukhothai-era inscriptions and the first stone inscriptions, believed to be from the same era. While her true existence remains inconclusive, Nang Noppamas has become an emblem of a woman characterized by beauty, action, and sentiment. This has led to the Nang Noppamas pageant, an event that continues to be a creative and joyful part of the present-day Loy Krathong tradition.