Lao Social Norm
Anouluck Norasing (Tom)
This week, it is my turn for multicultural exchange. I am eager to share the social norms of Lao culture.
- Traditional Ceremony
As you may know, Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant cultural heritage and traditions. Today, I want to introduce the “Baci ceremony,” a captivating blend of animist and Buddhist beliefs deeply rooted in Laotian culture. The term “Baci,” is derived from Sanskrit, and is also called “Sou Khuan,” meaning the summoning of the soul to achieve harmony. If you cannot envision it, the centerpiece of the Lao Baci ceremony is the “Pha Khuan,” a flower pyramid known as the tray of souls. The ceremony is conducted by a senior and respected community member, known as “Mor Phon,” who is knowledgeable and experienced in the ritual.
This ritual is integral to many key life events in Lao culture, from births to deaths, housewarmings to promotions, and even the Lao New Year. Tying white threads around an individual’s wrists symbolizes good luck and spiritual well-being. It is an accurate marker of Lao identity, as nearly all Lao people, regardless of age or gender, have participated in or will participate in a Baci ceremony at some point in their lives, me included. The Baci ceremony symbolizes peace, harmony, good fortune, good health, human warmth, and community spirit. It also serves to pass down cultural knowledge from the older generation to the younger generation.
Remarkable Aspects of the Baci Ceremony Related to the SDGs:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The Baci ceremony, with its inclusive nature, encourages mutual respect and understanding among individuals from various cultural backgrounds. It serves as a bridge that connects us all, regardless of our differences and strengthens social cohesion.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. The Baci ceremony encourages inclusivity and lessens social inequalities by welcoming individuals from various cultural backgrounds, fostering mutual respect and understanding. Also, it bridges cultural divides and strengthens social cohesion.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The Baci ceremony brings together family members, friends, and neighbors. It is a powerful reminder of communal support and solidarity during joyful and challenging times, crucial for building sustainable and resilient communities.
- Dress Code
Traditional dress, such as the “Sinh” for women and the “Salong” for men, is a vital aspect of Lao culture. These clothing are typically worn at festivals, religious ceremonies, and important events. The Sinh, a beautifully woven silk skirt with countless intricate colors, patterns, and designs, symbolizes the rich textile heritage of Laos. The Salong, traditional trousers for men, also holds cultural significance and is often worn with traditional tops. Wearing these conventional clothes during appropriate occasions demonstrates respect for Lao traditions and helps preserve the community’s cultural identity. Nowadays, Sinh is worn in daily life for women and also for special occasions and ceremonies. While Salong is worn mostly for special occasions and religion ceremonies for men.
How Traditional Lao Dress Related to the SDGs:
- SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth. The production of traditional Lao textiles, which supports local artisans and craftsmen, including many women, is the testament to the economic growth and sustainable livelihoods that can be achieved by preserving cultural.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Traditional clothing often involves using locally sourced materials and sustainable production methods. Encouraging Sinh and Salong can support sustainable fashion practices, reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion, and promote eco-friendly production.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Promoting traditional dress can lead to partnerships between local artisans, cultural organizations, and international markets. These collaborations can help to preserve cultural heritage, support local economies, and create global awareness about Lao culture and traditions.
Discussion: What are your traditional ceremonies and domestic products related to social norms?
I have been fascinated by the diverse cultural backgrounds of our lab members and have taken the opportunity to delve deeper into their traditional ceremonies. For example, in Japan, participating in New Year’s rituals, such as visiting temples or shrines and receiving Omamori (amulets), Omikuji (fortunes), and Ema (wooden wishing plaques), is an integral part of the culture. Additionally, the unique coming-of-age ceremony for 20-year-olds, known as “Seijin Shiki” holds great significance. In Indonesia, the preparation and consumption of “Rendang,” a traditional dish, carries deep cultural meaning and is often reserved for special occasions and to special guests. Similarly, “Tumpengan,” a cone-shaped rice dish, plays a key role in celebratory events and is deeply rooted in the traditions of slamatan ceremonies. One lab member from Thailand shared the daily practice of singing the national anthem in schools, this tradition is reminiscent of practices in Laos. In Colombia, the observance of “Easter” holy week is marked by fish consumption on Fridays. In China, eating noodle soup with a boiled egg on one’s birthday is believed to symbolize longevity and good health.
Finally, I think social norms are closely related to traditions and cultures and play a significant role in shaping community. Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that influence behavior within a society, and the cultural practices and traditions often shape these norms. Also, traditions and cultural practices reflect the values, beliefs, and customs that are passed down through generations. They give a framework for appropriate behavior, which assists in maintaining and reinforcing social norms.
References:
[1] Souraphol, A. (2023, April 7). Baci Ceremony: The Lao way of calling your soul to harmony. Medium. https://medium.com/@anolasouraphol/baci-ceremony-the-lao-way-of-calling-your-soul-to-harmony-542eb5feb95a#:~:text=The%20Baci%20ceremony%20holds%20a,to%20a%20state%20of%20harmony.
[2] Taking part in Baci Ceremony: Offbeat cultural experience in Laos – Orange Wayfarer. (n.d.). https://www.orangewayfarer.com/baci-ceremony-offbeat-laos-culture/
[3] Ngaosyvath, M. (1990). Individual Soul, National Identity: The “Baci-Sou Khuan” of the Lao. Sojourn: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia. 5 (2), 283–307. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41056801
[4] Mishra, P. (1995). Cultural Contribution of India to Southeast Asia: A Case Study of Laos. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 56, 870–876. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44158748
[5] Textiles, T. N. (n.d.). Checking the color of the dyed yarn. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/9255099@N08/3951015970/in/photostream/
[6] Weaving of Laos – Global INCH – Encyclopedia of Intangible Cultural Heritage. (n.d.). Global InCH – Encyclopedia of Intangible Cultural Heritage – Open Educational Resource on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Traditional Arts, Crafts and Textiles and Their Practitioners and Transmitters in South Asia. https://www.globalinch.org/craft/textiles-of-laos/