LaosBY : SALINE WILON

Language

Lao language has many kind that used. Its up to each regions or where living, it has different words and different sounds a little. But all also called Lao language.

Lao language is also look a like Thai language. Almost Lao people can understand Thai language. People believed that once upon Thailand and Laos were the same country and used the same language but might caused the wars or whatever that made it split up from each other. In Laos also has other languages from some ethnic like Hmong, Mien and etc.. But they don’t called those ‘Lao language.

Social organization

There are a lot of important people in Laos. We don’t know who is the most important because they had different important roles.

This person is an ones that important of Lao history. His name is Fa Ngum. He was the king of Laos ( Lane Xang ) in 1353. He gathered all areas of Laos to be the same one and he was the ones who leads the Buddhist religion into Laos.

Traditions

Some important traditions of Lao cultures are Boun Pi Mai ( Lao new year festival ), Boun That Luang ( That Luang festival ), and Boun Bang Fai ( A rocket festival )

Boun Pi Mai ‘Lao New Year Festival’ It is the most widely celebrated

festival of Laos. Lao new year festival takes place in April, the hottest time of year of Laos, which is also the start of the monsoon season. The played and used waters for washing homes, Buddha images, monks, and soaking to friends and passers. They do for wishing their lives and others found just the good things and the bad things are lost with the last year. The water that used for washing monks and Buddha are must be the special water ( Like the water that garnish by the special perfumes that can used for Buddha and some flowers ).

Boun That Luang ‘That Luang festival’

‘That Luang’ is the national symbol and most important religions monument of Laos.

That Luang festival is most important Theravada Buddhist festival of Laos and held here for three days during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month ( November ).

Boun Bang Fai ‘The Rocket Festival’ It is a merit-making

ceremony in numerous villages and municipalities near the beginning of the wet season. Local participants and sponsors use the occasion to enhance their social prestige, as is customary in traditional Buddhist folk festivals throughout Southeast Asia.

Lao Food - Laap

Laap is a type of Lao minced meat salad that is regarded as the national dish of Laos.

Lao Food – Papaya Salad

Papaya Salad is a spicy salad made from shredded unripe papaya. It is Lao origin but it is also eaten throughout Southeast Asia.

Lao Food – Khao poon

Khao poon is a popular type of Lao rice vermicelli soup that has spread to Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and United States.

Arts

All of Lao famous arts are handicrafts. Almost are The weavings, The engravings, and The earthenware.

Lao art – The weavings

Lao art – The paintings

Lao art – The earthenware

Lao Religions

Buddhism is central identity. Almost Lao people revere to Buddhism, some of minorities are still keeping their own religions.

Lao Government

Government name : Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Their duties are protected the right to preserve the national culture, natural heritage, find tradition, antiques and historical places the country and its ethnic minorities, the right to transferor technology, and the right to create artistic and literary works and to engage in cultural activities.