Animism Culture_of_Laos

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.