Customs Culture_of_Laos

baci soukhuan

lao social status places emphasis on respect elders; religious images , clergy; family , village authority; , buddhist concept of dharma emphasizes personal moral duty. buddhist principles encourage stoic indifference , quiet reserve in dealing disagreements. however, lao people have strong concept of muan or “happy contentment” encourages actions not taken or quickly.

the family unit basis of social interaction, such common lao refer each other using familiar cognates such “sister, brother, aunt or uncle” without actual family tie person. friendship falls between 2 categories, moo linh “play friends” acquaintances , moo tai “die friends” considered family. not uncommon or considered rude moo tai show unannounced extended stay, or share personal possessions. personal face-to-face contact considered polite, , western notions of invitations, letters , emails viewed foreign.

traditional lao conservative appearance , personal space. lao people sensitive physical contact. head considered sacred, whereas left hand , feet ritually unclean. in keeping social status expected younger people bow or keep heads lower elders or clergy. except among parent child relationship considered condescending touch lao person’s head. pointing hands or fingers insulting during disagreement. positioning of feet highly important. feet should never pointed toward buddha image, member of clergy, or elders. shoes should removed when entering temple or lao home or give serious offence.

the typical lao greeting nop similar wai in thailand or satu in cambodia, , based on indic añjali mudrā. in nop hands clasped upright in prayerful position, fingertips below nose , slight downward gaze. nop accompanied greeting sabaidee or “good health (to you)” , considered polite address members of higher social status.

special social attention paid monks , religious items. touching buddha image or animist shrine offensive. lao people nop , kneel when approached passing monks. in respect monastic vows, considered offence women touch monk, robes, or hand monk directly. in many instances male friend or family member used intermediary or lacking plate or other item used , placed on ground monk use. however, compassion guiding principle in such interactions , exception monk determine.

lao social etiquette extremely complex, , of may go unnoticed non-lao. in past not uncommon rule books (dtumla) thoroughly explained social interactions, timing, , activities should undertaken @ key times used.

baci soukhuan

the baci national folk ritual of laos , lao loum. animist ceremony part of satsana phi, , used major social , life events. lao believe soul has 32 components can become imbalanced. baci reinforces soul , community, , involves gathered making prayers , well-wishes symbolized silk or cotton threads tied around wrists.