The word loy means to float and krathong means lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves. loy krathong is, therefore the floating of an illuminated leaf bowl. but nowadays some krathongs are made of coloured paper. A krathong usually contains a candle, three joss sticks, some flowers and coins.
The history of loy krathong festival is slightly obscure. First, it is ti ask for apology from the water goddess for having used and sometime made rivers and canals dirty. second, it is ti offer flowers, candles and joss sticks as a tribute to the footprint of lord Buddha on the sandy beach if the Nammatha River in India. Third, it is to show gratitude to the Phra Mae kong Ka or Mother of Water. it is to wash away the previous year's misfortunes