Customs and traditions
According to Abbreviationfinder, Laos residents had long had contacts with the outside world. This, as well as the fact that a large majority of Laotians are Buddhists, sets their mark on everyday life and weekend for the Laotians. Although the impact from now on is considerably greater than before, many old customs are still alive. However, the differences can be large between city and countryside.
The Buddhist monks in their red and yellow costumes and with shaved heads are a well-respected group in society. It is common for young boys to spend at least a month in a convent. This usually happens before a major change in life, for example before they get married.
- Countryaah: Overview of the capital city of Laos, including information about its population, economy, geography, history and map.
Kindness and humanity are important ideals in Buddhist culture. This means, for example, showing respect, not least towards the elderly. You do not like to raise your voice towards others. In general, few Laotians show strong feelings in public. You do not hug or kiss anyone when you meet. Instead, the most common way of health is to bring their palms together. You never touch someone’s head, because the head is considered important to the soul. Pointing one’s feet at someone or something is seen as a stink.
In Buddhism, it is desirable to try not to stress or agitate unnecessarily over, for example, problems. According to Buddhism, however, the destiny of every human being is predetermined.
Everyday life
In Laos, several generations of housing often share. When a girl marries, she usually moves in with the man’s family.
Especially along the rivers, the houses are built on piles, should the water rise. When you walk into someone’s home, or in a temple, you take off your shoes. The men usually dress in a simple shirt and trousers, while many women wear sarong (a kind of hip). For a Laotian it is often not so important to dress up but to be clean and clean. Common pleasures are to visit a temple festival or organize a picnic – often the whole family is together.
Everyone usually eats together – you sit on small carpets on the floor with the common food on a low table in the middle. In some places you eat with your hands, otherwise chopsticks or cutlery are used.
The most important basic food is rice (“sticky rice”). It is usually supplemented with sauce, chicken (ping kai), papaya salad (maak houng) or meat salad (laap). Vegetables, fish and pork are also common. You use a lot of spices, like chili, garlic, coriander and lemongrass. Foods include drinks including Laotian beer (beerlao) or green tea. Laos also produces a low-low rice whiskey. In larger towns, the influence of the French colonial era still prevails in the form of cafes and bakeries where you can buy baguettes or croissants.
Holidays
There are a number of different holidays, including three different New Year celebrations: the “regular” New Year, January 1, the Chinese New Year in February, and the Laotian New Year in April; the latter actually falls in December but you move it to spring, when the weather is better, and you celebrate in days three.
According to Countryaah, other holidays include Pathet Lao Day (guerrilla Day) and Army Day in January, International Women’s Day March 8, May 1, Children’s Day June 1, two different liberation days in August, and National Day (Independence Day) December 2.
In addition, a number of festivals and festivals are related to agriculture (thank you for good harvest or ask for rain) and are often celebrated with music, dance and fireworks. They also celebrate various traditional Buddhist weekends with, among other things, sacrificial gifts and candle processions.
2010
December
The Prime Minister resigns “for family reasons”
Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh resigns and is succeeded by the Chairman of the National Assembly (President) Thongsing Thammavong. Bouphavanh refers to “problems within the family” but many observers believe that factional struggles within the Communist Party are behind the departure. Pany Yathotu, a woman and member of the hmong people, becomes the new president.