Loi means 'to float', while krathong refers to a usually lotus-shaped container which floats on the water. The traditional krathong are made of the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant. Modern krathongs are also sometimes made of bread or styrofoam/plastic. A bread krathong will disintegrate after a few days and can be eaten by the fish (at least this is the idea...). Styrofoam krathongs are of course horribul for the environment :( A krathong is decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, incense sticks, and a candle. A small coin is sometimes included as an offering to the river spirits. On the night of the full moon, Thais launch their krathong on a river, canal or a pond, making a wish as they do so.
