From the Playground

Happy New Year! April Fools…not 🙂 really, Happy New Year!

In fact April Fools Day used to be the actual New Year way back in the day. When you think about it…it makes sense. Spring is a time for change and renewal while winter is hibernation and rest. Imagine someone having the power to change the calendar? We do! Power is with the people.

April is the month where many countries keep the rhythm with cyclical time and bring in the new year. Several countries in Southeast and South Asia, primarily those using lunisolar calendars, celebrate New Year in April. These include Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and various regions of India, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. 

Here’s a more detailed look:

• Southeast Asia: Countries like Thailand (Songkran), Cambodia (Choul Chnam Thmey), Myanmar (Thingyan), and Laos (Pi Mai) observe their New Year in April, often coinciding with the lunar calendar and the start of spring. 
• South Asia: Many parts of India, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, also have New Year celebrations in April, with names like Vaisakhi, Pohela Boishakh, and Aluth Avurudda, among others. 
• Other Regions:. Some Chinese communities, particularly the Dai people of Yunnan Province, also celebrate their New Year in April, coinciding with Songkran. 

These April New Year celebrations often involve water splashing (Songkran), feasting, and paying respects to elders, as well as other cultural traditions specific to each region.

We’re bringing in the New Year! Water tag!

Happy splashing. Happy renewal. Wash away worries and live life with purpose, on purpose!