Letting go

It was on the last day of 2010. I took my son to the small beach near my house. In advance I had prepared three little paper 'boats' with a tiny candle in it. I told my son that with these 'boats' we would say goodbye to the past year, and at the same time wish for good things for the year to come. One was for him, and we sent that one off first. It driffted out slowly but surely with its light flickering. The second was mine.
Then there was a third and final 'boat'. I had said that it was a special one. I closed my eyes and silently said goodbye to my ex-partner and the relationship we had had. With a little push I sent it on the water, with it I let go, gave it back to the universe in order for me to start a new.

My idea is inspired by 'Loy (Loi) Krathong', a Thai festival where they sent beautiful decorated rafts (with candles and flowers, and insense sticks and sometimes fruit) on to the river or sea. Apart from the Thai honoring Buddha and the Goddess of Water, the act of floating away the candle raft is to believed to be symbolic of letting go of one's grudges and anger, so that one can start life a fresh. I think it is a lovely tradition; plus the sight of all those rafts on the water with the candles, is gorgeous . If you ever have the change, it is a wonderful ritual to experience.

I like celebrating New Years; love the fireworks. This time making a real point of leaving the past year behind.

PS: There are also parts in Thailand where they let up 'paper balloons' with candles, instead of rafts on water.