Naga fireballs

Naga fireballs

The Naga fireballs ( _th. บั้งไฟพญานาค, "bangfai payanak") are a phenomenon seen in the Mekong river - in Thailand (Nong Khai province and Isan) and in Laos - in which glowing balls rise from depths. The balls are reddish in colour and about the size of an egg; they rise a couple of hundred metres before disappearing. The number of fireballs is variable, being reported at between tens and thousands per night [http://nationmultimedia.com/search/page.arcview.php?clid=2&id=67912&usrsess= Real life fireballs a damp squib as rains come down, The Nation, Bangkok's Independent Newspaper] .

Timing

The fireballs have been seen for centuries and are most often reported around the night of Wan Awk Pansa - the end of the Buddhist rains retreat - in October, although displays have also been reported in March, April, May, June and September.

Causes and beliefs

The cause of the phenomenon is unclear: it has been proposed that the balls are produced by the fermentation of sediment in the river, which can combust in the particular river and atmospheric conditions of the nights in question.

A programme on Thai television in 2002 suggested that they were produced by tracer fire from soldiers on the Lao side of the river. This provoked furious protests from local villagers, who believe that the balls are produced by a serpent, the "Naga" or "Phaya Naga", living in the river. Popular Thai language newspapers also supported the Naga theory.

The phenomenon has gained much prominence since the furore over the TV programme, as well as the 2002 film by director Jira Maligool, "Mekhong Full Moon Party".

Previously known as the "ghost fireballs", the event has now had its name changed and is being promoted as a festival to attract tourists.

See also

* Ball lightning
* St. Elmo's fire
* Will o' the wisp

References

External links

* English translation of Thai report on Bang Fai Phaya Nark (Naga fireballs), which gives the myth associated with the phenomenon, as well as a scientific explanation. [http://www.thaifolk.com/doc/literate/payanak/payanak_e.htm]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Naga fireball — The Naga fireballs (Thai: บั้งไฟพญานาค; RTGS: bang fai phaya nak), also referred to as Mekong lights, are a phenomenon seen in the Mekong river in Thailand (Nong Khai province in Isan) and in Laos (Vientiane Province) in which glowing balls rise… …   Wikipedia

  • Nāga — For the modern ethnic group, see Naga people. For other uses, see Naga (disambiguation). A Hoysala sculpture of a Naga couple. Halebidu …   Wikipedia

  • Phaya Naga — A naga guarding the Temple of Wat Sisaket in Vientiane, Laos The Phaya Naga or Naga are mythical serpent like creatures believed by locals to live in the Laotian stretch of the Mekong river or estuaries.Some have tried to explain sightings as… …   Wikipedia

  • Bola de fuego de Naga — Saltar a navegación, búsqueda Bolas de fuego del Naga (Tailandés: บั้งไฟพญานาค, payanak del bangfai) Es un fenómeno que ocurre en el río Mekong Situado en Tailandia (Provincias de Nong Khai e Isan) y en Laos en el cual bolas de fuego que brillan… …   Wikipedia Español

  • Mekhong Full Moon Party — The Thai movie poster. Directed by Jira Maligool Produced by …   Wikipedia

  • Огненные шары Наг — Огненные шары, поднимающиеся над Меконгом Огненные шары Наг (тайск. บั้งไฟพญานาค, bangfai payanak)  природный феномен, наблюдающийся раз в год на реке Меконг в Таиланде (регион Иса …   Википедия

  • Will-o'-the-wisp — For other uses, see Will o the wisp (disambiguation). Will o the wisp Phenomenon An 1882 oil painting of a will o the wisp by Arnold Böcklin See also …   Wikipedia

  • Rocket Festival — This article is about the traditional Rocket Festival of Laos and Thailand; for another meaning, see Rocket Festival Spain A Rocket Festival ( th. ประเพณีบุญบั้งไฟ Prapheni Bun Bang Fai , lo. ) is a merit making ceremony traditionally practiced… …   Wikipedia

  • Nong Khai — (เทศบาลเมืองหนองคาย, Thesaban Mueang Nong Khai (Nong Khai Town) or หนองคาย or Nong Khai) is a city in North East Thailand and is the capital of the Nong Khai Province. It is situated on the Mekong River and is the site of the first Thai Lao… …   Wikipedia

  • Jira Maligool — (Thai จิระ มะลิกุล, born 1961) is a Thai film director, screenwriter and producer. He s directed two films, Mekhong Full Moon Party and The Tin Mine , and was the screenwriter behind the international hit, The Iron Ladies .BiographyEarly… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”