Lao

History of Lao (Low land Lao)

Lao tribe is considered as one of the largest ethnic groups in Laos. Lao people have been living in this country region for more than 2,000 years ago, especially in Oudomxay Province, which consists of La, Nga, Pakbeng, Xay and Hoon district. Almost all Lao people like to settle down their livelihood along the river. They call themselves “Lao” for centuries.

Lao people have their own speaking language and writing pattern, Lao is used as the country official language that everyone has to go and learn from school even in rural area. There are many sub - tribes and the speaking accent of each region is totally different. Moreover, Lao has Buddhist language as well. Most of Lao people are Buddhists. Temples can be found and seen in some villages. Some Lao people still believe natural power, for instance, spirit (Ghost) of the father and mother, spirit (Ghost) of the house, spirit (Ghost) of the village, spirit (Ghost) of the cemetery, spirit (Ghost) of the Naga – Snake and others. Lao men are not allowed to have many wives, it is said that one wife – one husband- one couple forever.

The traditional house construction of Lao people must first install with around 6 – 8 strong wooden posts depending on the size planed. The floor of the house is not attached the ground, but the ladder and the main posts. The house is divided into different rooms like bedroom, kitchen and outside balcony back porch. A Buddhist altar is also set up in the middle post of the house as a worship place. The roof of the house will be covered by cogon grass or zinc. Lumber is used for the floor of the house and it sometime uses the bamboo and lumber for the wall of the house. One important thing that the owner of the house will first consider is the house has to face to the North and the back to the South.

The birth takes place in the couple’s bedroom or their own house or at the hospital. Giving a birth of a new born child is a special present from paradise, the father calls in his family members, relatives, village elders and other people to hold and participate the warmly welcome ceremony of the new born baby. Pigs and chickens are sacrificed as an offering of thanks to the Buddha or natural power they trust, and to invite the soul to take up permanent residence within the child’s body and in the parental household. This serves to adopt the child into the world of human beings, and formally accept it into the parent’s relationship group. The baby is then given a name and introduced to the household sprits to give it protection.

To have a proper funeral is of great importance to Lao people, for as a result the soul will prosper in the afterworld. When death seems about to happen, close relatives gather together around for sharing the many duties that arise when death occurs. Most of the corpse will be burned in the Buddhist way.

Lao is rich in literature, instrument, music, arts, performance and other related things, such as Lao traditional Lam Vong Dancing, Lao traditional singing like” Lum long, Lum Teuy, Lum Pern, Lum Tang Wai”, Lao Flute, Xylophone, Lao Mouth Organ, Lao drum, Lao song and others. These will be played and performed during Lao New Year, wedding ceremony, event, and festival and so on…