Religion Culture_of_Laos

monks gathered @ evening prayer

laos approximately 60% theravada buddhist, falls along ethnic lines majority of practitioners being lao loum. remainder largely animist, following unique ethnic traditions , practices. among lao loum there high degree of syncretism lao acknowledging traditional animist traditions known collectively satsana phi. other religions in minority including islam , christianity , represent combined total of less 2% of population.

buddhism

theravada buddhism central lao cultural identity. national symbol of laos luang stupa, stupa pyramidal base capped representation of closed lotus blossom built protect relics of buddha. shrine has been rebuilt several times since being created in thirteenth century khmer, largest expansions king setthathirath in 1500s part of nationwide building campaign.

traditionally in laos males become novice monks @ point in lives, giving them opportunity gain both education , religious merit. laos has unusual belief among buddhist countries merit (boun) transferrable among people, son or daughter may make merit parent temporarily entering monastery. lay persons expected feed , care monks of local community, morning processions of monks (tak bat) walk collect offerings. monks renounce material possessions , labor, community , monastery (wat) bound in mutually reinforcing relationship.

traditional spirit house


animism

animist traditions strong in laos belief in traditional spirits being common cultural tie among lao loum, lao theung , lao sung although such beliefs strictly organized according local traditions.

collectively lao belief in spirits referred satsana phi. phi spirits of buildings or territories, natural places, or phenomena; ancestral spirits protect people, or can include malevolent spirits. phi guardian deities of places, or towns celebrated @ festivals communal gatherings , offerings of food. many lao have spirit house on or near property important folk custom used ensure balance natural , supernatural world.

phi believed influence natural phenomena including human illness , appealing phi became important part of lao identity , religious health on millennia. astrology vital part understanding natural , spiritual worlds , became important cultural means enforce social taboos , customs.

traditionally lao loum believed ancient mythical serpents known ngueak inhabited major waterways, carving out surrounding countryside , protecting key points along rivers or other bodies of water. earliest name mekong river nam nyai ngu luang or great river of giant serpent. ngueak, , nāga have been “tamed” buddhism, believed bring rains, or change shape, , nāga in particular believed protection spirits inhabited cities of vientiane , luang prabang in lan xang. nāga have endured common motifs not in myth , legend, on lao temples, , silk weavings. overtime nāga became potent symbol of kingdom of lan xang.