#Park Mae Yi

[do-you-know-this-queer-character]

Do you know this queer character?

May is Asexual and uses she/her pronouns!

[tripncare]

Thai Festivals You Can’t Miss: Songkran, Loy Krathong, and Yi Peng

Thailand is a land of cultural wonders, where tradition meets festivity in the most vibrant ways. Among its rich tapestry of cultural celebrations, three festivals stand out: Songkran, Loy Krathong, and Yi Peng. These festivals are not merely events but timeless experiences that offer a glimpse into Thailand’s cultural essence, spiritual depth, and joyous spirit.

In this blog, we delve into the history, significance, and unique charm of these festivals. From the splashing fun of Songkran to the serene beauty of Loy Krathong and the magical lanterns of Yi Peng, each festival is a must-see for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Thai culture.

The Vibrant Essence of Thai Festivals

Thai festivals are deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, ancient folklore, and a profound respect for nature. These celebrations are expressions of gratitude, renewal, and community bonding. For travelers, Thai festivals are an opportunity to witness the country’s cultural richness and join locals in their joyful expressions of tradition.

Each festival unfolds in unique ways, offering different kinds of experiences—some exuberant, some serene, but all undeniably captivating.

Songkran Festival: The Thai New Year

The Historical Roots of Songkran

The Songkran Festival, celebrated annually in mid-April, marks the Thai New Year. Its origins can be traced to ancient practices linked to the movement of the sun into the Aries zodiac sign, symbolizing renewal and transformation. Traditionally, Songkran involved pouring water gently on Buddha statues, elders, and family members as a gesture of respect and purification. Over time, this custom evolved into one of the most joyous water festivals in the world.

The Celebration of Songkran Across Thailand

Songkran transforms Thailand into a playground of water and festivity. Streets come alive with water fights, music, and parades. Major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are hotspots for elaborate celebrations. Chiang Mai, in particular, is renowned for its traditional Songkran parades and cultural performances, while Bangkok offers high-energy festivities in areas like Khao San Road and Silom Road.

For a more traditional experience, smaller towns host quieter celebrations where the focus remains on temple rituals and community bonding.

Immersing in the Songkran Spirit

Experiencing Songkran is more than just a water fight. Visitors can participate in temple rituals, witness processions featuring Buddha statues, and enjoy traditional Thai cuisine served during the festival. This blending of exuberance and spirituality makes Songkran a well-rounded cultural experience.

Loy Krathong: The Festival of Lights

The Meaning Behind Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong, celebrated on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, is one of Thailand’s most beautiful festivals. The festival honors Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of water, as a gesture of gratitude and apology for using and polluting water resources.

Participants release krathongs—beautifully crafted floating baskets made of banana leaves, flowers, and candles—into rivers, lakes, or ponds. This act symbolizes the release of negativity and a wish for good fortune in the future.

The Rituals of Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is marked by the creation and floating of krathongs. Families, couples, and friends gather near water bodies to release their baskets, often accompanied by silent prayers or wishes. The sight of thousands of illuminated krathongs drifting on the water creates an ethereal spectacle.

In addition to the main ritual, the festival includes cultural performances, traditional Thai music, and beauty contests like the "Noppamas Queen" competition, where contestants dress in traditional Thai attire.

Where to Experience Loy Krathong

Certain locations in Thailand offer unparalleled experiences of Loy Krathong:

Sukhothai: Known for its historical park, the setting during Loy Krathong is magical with ancient ruins illuminated by lanterns.

Chiang Mai: Often celebrated in conjunction with Yi Peng, Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai is a fusion of floating krathongs and lanterns, creating an extraordinary ambiance.

Bangkok: The Chao Phraya River serves as the focal point, with many events hosted along its banks.

Yi Peng: The Lantern Festival

The Unique Charm of Yi Peng

Yi Peng, celebrated in northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai, is often associated with Loy Krathong due to their shared timing and spiritual significance. While Loy Krathong honors the water goddess, Yi Peng focuses on releasing khom loi (sky lanterns) to let go of past misfortunes and invite good luck.

The Magic of Lanterns

The highlight of Yi Peng is the simultaneous release of thousands of sky lanterns, illuminating the night sky. This spectacle is not just visually stunning but also deeply symbolic. Each lantern carries prayers and wishes, floating skyward as an offering of hope and renewal.

In addition to lantern releases, Yi Peng features traditional Lanna-style performances, illuminated parades, and intricate lantern displays that reflect northern Thai culture.

Best Locations to Witness Yi Peng

The best place to experience Yi Peng is Chiang Mai. Popular sites include Mae Jo University, Tha Phae Gate, and the Ping River, where large gatherings create a vibrant yet serene atmosphere. Smaller towns like Lamphun and Pai offer more intimate settings for the festival.

Thai Festivals as a Travel Experience

Festivals like Songkran, Loy Krathong, and Yi Peng offer travelers a unique lens to experience Thailand. These events are not only opportunities for enjoyment but also windows into Thai traditions, spirituality, and communal values. For those visiting during these festivals, they provide an immersive experience that goes beyond sightseeing.

Traveling during these festivals requires some preparation. Accommodations can fill up quickly, so advance bookings are essential. Respecting local customs, such as dressing modestly during temple visits and adhering to environmental practices, enhances the experience and shows cultural sensitivity.

Conclusion

Thai festivals such as Songkran, Loy Krathong, and Yi Peng are vibrant expressions of Thailand’s cultural and spiritual richness. Each festival offers a unique experience, from the lively water fights of Songkran to the tranquil beauty of Loy Krathong and the magical lantern-lit skies of Yi Peng.

For travelers seeking unforgettable experiences, these festivals provide an incredible journey into the heart of Thailand. Plan your visit during these celebrations to immerse yourself in the joy, tradition, and beauty that define Thai culture.

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Ace Week 2021: Canon Aces 117/?: Park ‘May’ Mae-Yi (Lee Bong-Ryun) Run On Episode 15 (2020/2021)

Seo Dan-ah: I'll hold back on calling you on the weekends Mr. Jeong. I should respect your personal life.

@asexualawarenessweek 2021

[fandomdough]

#RUNONWEEK Day Six: Aaron Sorkin Horror Movie

Who do you think will end up living with me forever?

It’s me. Myself.

I really want to get along with myself.

I don’t want to love myself too much, but I don’t want to be too hard on myself either.

I think it’s important to work hard on keeping a good balance.

These lines from Mi-joo effectively encompasses one of the main themes of Run On, and are a major part of why I wanted to put together this set of Working Women. These women (and all of the other women!) strive to find the balance between themselves and the world around them.

The individuals in full-size: Oh Mi-joo  |  Park Mae-yi  |  Seo Dan-ah

on AO3 | on Instagram

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

Park Mae-Yi from Run On is asexual!

[anemoiawithatouchofobsession]

We then see a lesson taking place - The 5 girls are in a singing class, and Madam Jung is instructing them in the 흥보가 (The tale of Heungbo). The teacher asks them to sing individually, where we see the singing prowess of each girl. As the teacher goes around and corrects each student individually, the other girls keep on practicing. The harmony of their voices impress her and she remarks that their voices together sounded beautiful. Just like the title of the piece 두손합장 - "A Song sung by joining two hands" means a clap, sori - singing - should be performed by a singer and a gosu (drum player). The teacher mentions that the moral of Heungbo's tale is that kindness reaps kindness and spreads it out to the world, and evil returns back to itself again. The class is dispersed, and three gongs call for dinnertime.

We are introduced to the other people at the gyobang at dinner. Senior practicing gisaengs Ahn Mi-hee (Geum-wol), Hong Yi-rin (Yoo-hwa), Park Hwa-myeong (Oh-hye), So Myeong-ae (Mi-soon) and Hwang Kyung-sil (Mae-hyang), medicinal gisaeng Gil Jin-yi, sorikkun Jo Sook-hyun, the seamstress Jang Sook,who reminds Wol-hyang of her mother, and the cook Uhm Geum, at whose sight "you can't help but laugh".

My old Sageuk script, revised! ----- Madam Jung : Where is Yoo-hwa? She should have been here by afternoon. 유화가 어디냐? 오후까지 왔어야 했는데. Myeong Ae: She's in the palace today I think the Prince has taken a liking to her. 유화가 궁에 있아옵니다. 세자저하께서 언니한테 관심이 생겼다는 소문을 들었아옵니다. Madam Jung : I see. I hope she doesn't get swayed by the Prince to stay at the court. 그리하구나. 세자저하께 교태전에 남아있으라는 말 안듣게... Mi Hee : Why? If the Prince likes her, she might receive a lot of money. And maybe she will become his concubine! 왜 그렇습니까? 세자저하께서 언니를 좋아하신다면, 돈을 받고, 어쩌면 저하의 첩이 될지도 모릅니다! Madam Jung : Not every gisaeng's path leads to the court. Yoo-hwa is too naive to get into politics, and is too skilled to be an entertainment to the Royal family. 모든 기생들의 길이 궁까지 가야 할 필요 없다. 우리 유화가 너무 흔들리기 쉬워서 궁정과 정치에 멀리서 있어야 해. 또한, 왕실의 오락거리일뿐이 되기에는 얘가 너무 숙련되어있는데. Jin Yi : I've heard that the Consort Hee of the Jang family is a very greedy woman. Yoo-hwa would suffer a lot if she gets in that woman's way. As someone who has seen her since she was young, I am worried. 장씨 희빈마마께 욕망이 많은 여자라고 들었어요. 유화는 그 분에게 방해가 된다면 큰 고통을 겪게 될 건데. 얘를 오랫동안 보는 분이라서 걱정이 되옵니다. Jang Sook : Consorts are always greedy. I don't understand why. The court is splitting like a watermelon, the nation is being attacked on the shores, and these women give birth to four of five babies for what? For the land they receive? For their son to be the next king? So they can be the Queen Dowager and order their own son and the court around? 빈궁들은 항상 욕심이 많군요. 왜 그런지 이해하지 않아. 우리 궁정은 수박처럼 갈라지고 있고, 우리 나라는 해안에 심한 공격당하고 있는데도, 이 여자들은 무엇 때문에 계속 4명이나 5명의 아기를 낳습니까? 받는 땅을 위해서요? 아들이 생기면 그 불쌍한 아이가 다음 왕이 되기 위해서요? 대비가 되어 아들과 궁정을 명령할 수 있기 위해서요? Madam Jung : (raises hand) We are no one to judge someone else's situation and decisions in life. All we can do is live with it and give the children an example of how to,nor how not to, lead life. 우리는 다른 사람의 상황과 결정을 판단하는 사람이 아니다. 우리가 할 수 있는 것은 우리대로 먹고살고 우리 아이들에게 삶을 사는 방법에 대한 예를 드는 것일뿐이다.

Madam Jung : Cheon-geum-ah? 천금아? Cheon-geum  : Yes, mother 네, 어머님 Madam Jung : You are the closest to the age of 16 among the training gisaengs. Am I right? 여기 아이들 중에 16세 넘은 아이 너냐? Cheon-geum  : True, mother. 맞사옵니다 Madam Jung : Then, have you decided on a gisaeng name yet? 그럼, 기생이름을 선택했느냐? Cheon-geum  : No, mother. 아니옵니다 어머님 Madam Jung : Why so, when I have reminded you mamy times? 몇 번 말을 했던게요, 그럼 왜? Cheon-geum : (stutters slightly, in a quieter voice) I- I intend not to take on a gisaeng name, mother. 저- 저는 기생 이름을 생기는 생각이 없아옵니다, 어머님 Wol-hyang : (looks at Eui-hye with a look of worry) Madam Jung : May I know the reason? 이유를 좀 전할할 수 있을까? Cheon-geum  : (voice becoming more firm) My mother gave me a name that I think is fitting to me. I want to be a heavenly lyre player even when I'm a gisaeng. Please understand this young girl's wish, mother. 이 소녀의 애미는 저에게는 잘 어울리는 이름을 지으셨다고 생각을 하느니, 기생이 되도 지금 이름대로 천상의 거문게꾼으로 유명하고 싶은 이 소녀의 순한 마음을 이해주십시오 Soon-ryeon : (leans over to Wol-hyang and whispers) when is her birthday? In how many months? 얘 생일 언젠데? 몇월? Wol-hyang : ( noticing that Madam Jung jas noticed Soonryeon whispering, signals with her hand, 2 fingers. SR gives a look of "well, whatever" and continues eating.) Madam Jung : (slightly angry) So you think these reasons give you the freedom that your friends don't have? What makes you think you have a choice? 그럼 네 친구들이 없는 자유가 네가 갖고 있는 줄 알았느냐? 선택이 있는 생각을 어떻게 들 수 있느냐? Cheon-geum : (quiet but firm) None of the other girls were born to a gisaeng and raised to be one. I have never known anything else but being a gisaeng. How can I change my name? 다른 얘들은 기생의 몸에 타어나지 않았고 기생이 되기 위해 키웠던 게 아니옵니다. 이 소녀는 기생의 삶 밖에 모른데, 어떻게 온 인생이 담긴 그 이름까지 버릴 수 있는 겁니까? Madam Jung : (breathes in sharply) Listen here, child... 아이야, 한 번 들어봐 Mi-hee : (signals to Madam Jung to let her deal with it) Cheon-geum-ah, think again. All of us have gisaeng names. 천금아, 또다시 생각해보렴. 우린 다 기생이름은 있다. Hwa-myeong : I am also the daughter of a gisaeng. I know that you're proud of your name, but I'm sure your mother would appreciate it if you followed the tradition. 저도 기생딸이라서 이름이라는 것에 대한 자랑스음 아주 잘 알아. 그래도, 우리 기생민의 전통을 따라하면 좋겠다. Myeong-ae : ... it is, in the end, what she did too. It wouldn't be wrong to do so. 천금양 어머니도 결곡엔 그렇게 했느니, 니 잘못이 아니라단다... Hwa-myeong : You think it would be disrespectful to your mother, isn't it? 이름을 바뀌는 것은 어머니에게 무례할 거라고 생각을 하냐?? Cheon-geum  : (nods timidly) Mi-hee : I can assure you, it isn't. In fact, I'm sure your mother, if she were here, would tell you to leave your pride behind and do the same as all your seniors, and be a honourable gisaeng. You understand? 장담할건대, 그렇지는 않아. 천금애미께 여기 계셨다면, 자존심은 버리고 모든 선배들과 똑같이 하고, 훌륭한 기생이 되라고 말씀하실 거예요. 이해했나? Cheon-geum  : (lowers her head at the sudden interjection of the seniors, embarrassed) I understand. I will think about it. 알겠아옵니다. 생각을 할 겁니다. Madam Jung : Lift your head up. I will give you time until the day before your 17th birthday. Have you understood? 고개를 들어라. 17번째 생일의 날까지 시간을 줄게. 알아들어시게. Cheon-geum  : Yes, mother. 네, 어머님

Jang Sook : Madam, isn't it commonplace to name the girls as soon as they enter the gyobang? 마님, 평소에는 이런 소녀들에게 교입할때 기생이름을 지우는 것은 맞습니까? Madam Jung : You are right, Mrs. Jang. But I feel like a child should be able to enjoy her name before having it taken away from her. 맞는 말씀이십니다.그렇지만, 이 아가들이 자신의 이름과 그것의 뜻을 알고 ���기는 시간을 주고 싶다고 생각하옵니다. Jin-yi : This gyobang really seems like the only one in the kingdom to do so. 온 왕국에서 이 교방은 이것을 하는거 유일한 것 같죠... Jang Sook : I have heard of another gyobang in the Pyongyang region, where they allow the girls to choose which field they study in, isn't that good too, madam? 평양쪽 또다른 교방에서 교입하는 소녀들에게 각자의 공부의 길을 선택하는 것을 허락하는 게 들었는데, 그리하는 것도 좋아하지 않습니까? Madam Jung : I disagree with that. I know that some of the best gisaengs especially in dancing and singing have come from that gyobang, but the gisaengs there lack an all-round education. A gisaeng should be able to do anything. 아닙니다. 저 교방 출신 기생들은 특히 무용과 창으로 아주 유명하지만, 모든 필요한 실력을 갖이지는 아니다. 기생이 모든 게 잘할 수 있어야 됩니다. Myeong-ae : I agree, mother. There is no reason a gisaeng who excels at poetry would also excel at dancing. 동의하옵니다, 어머님. 시를 잘 쓰는 기생은 무용을 잘 할 리 없네요. Soon-ryeon, Eui-hye and Hwa-jung : (look at  Wol-hyang with a smile, almost as if taunting her for her two left feet.  Wol-hyang lets out a sigh and stuffs her mouth with rice) Mi-hee : (notices  Wol-hyang, smiles) Mi-soon-ah (referring to Myeong-ae by her gisaeng name) , to realise you're wrong, you don't need to look far. 미순아, 잘못의 말씀을 했던 게 이해하기 위해 멀리서 보지마오. Wol-hyang : (even more embarrassed, she cowers and keeps on stuffing rice into her mouth) Mi-hee : I'm sitting right here, am I not, mother? 저 여긴 앉아 있지 않으나요, 어머님? Wol-hyang : (surprised at the sudden relevation, looks up) Madam Jung : I remember. 기억하단다. Mi-hee : (continues) There were days I practiced until my legs bruised, and I thought of Yoo-hwa (Yi-rin's gisaeng name) and cried, because I wasn't even as good as her toenail when it came to dancing. 유화의 발끝만큼도 춤을 못출 수 있단 것을 생각하며 울었고, 제 다리가 다쳤을적까지 연습하는 나날들이 있었군요 Myeong-ae : (laughs) And weren't there days I made the floor wet with my tears, as my voice cracked at all the songs, Geum-wol? 나도 노래할때 이상한 소리가 내서 내 눈물로 바닥을 젖은 날들이 있었다, 기억하나, 금월아? Hwa-myeong : I remember crying while playing the drums - I hit my head with a drumstick. (laughter erupts across the room) . I got a big red boil on my head like an egg. It's practice, practice and again practice, that made us to be as skilled as we are. (turns to Wolhyang) There's no need to worry at all. If there is a will, there is a way. 나는 복을 치다가 울었던 기억이 난데요 - 복에 내 머리를 부딪쳤다고... 이마가 겨란처럼 빨갛게 부어올랐어요. 역시, 연습, 연습 그리고 연습이 우리를 이렇게 만들어. 월향아,너 걱정하기가 필요없다. 너 이젠 마음 먹었으니 길이 발견될테니. (Wolhyang : bends her head, half in shame, half in relief. The seniors and Madam Jung smile, and everyone continues eating)

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Ace Week 2021: Canon Aces 117/?: Park ‘May’ Mae-Yi (Lee Bong-Ryun) Run On Episode 15 (2020/2021)

Meeting Jeong Ji-hyun

@asexualawarenessweek 2021

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Park Mae-Yi (Run On)

It’s International Asexuality Day! I wanna talk about May (as she is credited on the Netflix subtitles) from the Korean drama Run On. This is my first kdrama and I’ve been really enjoying it.

I’m only in episode 8 but she’s already come out as asexual and otherwise made it clear her relationship with Mi-Joo is platonic and I really like their dynamic. 

One of the things I really appreciate about her right now, is that her actress, Lee Bong-Ryun, is in her 40s, so I assume so is the character. I’m in my early 30s and it’s really nice to see, first of all, older female characters in general (40 is not old, but women rarely get to exist as over 30, under grandmother age, unless they are mothers, and even then as young as it makes sense for them to be), but one as assertive and together as May, who gets to be ace, who gets to be queer, while also being really fun and funny and mentory for Mi-Joo. I just really appreciate having a character who is older than me be ace and getting to exist. 

I’m really excited to see her relationships with the other characters, and I know she gets a romance too later. I’m just really happy she exists.

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Canon Aces 117e/?: Park ‘May’ Mae-Yi (Lee Bong-Ryun) Run On Episode 6 (2020/2021) + coming out

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Canon Aces 117d/?: Park ‘May’ Mae-Yi (Lee Bong-Ryun) [mentions] Run On Episode 5 (2020/2021) 6/ 6

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Canon Aces 117d/?: Park ‘May’ Mae-Yi (Lee Bong-Ryun) Run On Episode 5 (2020/2021) 5/ 6

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Canon Aces 117d/?: Park ‘May’ Mae-Yi (Lee Bong-Ryun) Run On Episode 5 (2020/2021) 4/ 6

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Canon Aces 117d/?: Park ‘May’ Mae-Yi (Lee Bong-Ryun) Run On Episode 5 (2020/2021) 3/ 6

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Canon Aces 117d/?: Park ‘May’ Mae-Yi (Lee Bong-Ryun) Run On Episode 5 (2020/2021) 2/ 6

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Canon Aces 117d/?: Park ‘May’ Mae-Yi (Lee Bong-Ryun) Run On Episode 5 (2020/2021) 1/ 6

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

Canon Aces 117c/?: Park ‘May’ Mae-Yi (Lee Bong-Ryun) Run On Episode 4 (2020/2021) 3/ 3