Custom & Culture

You are invited to Lao ultimate party known as Pimay Laos – Lao New Year.  This three days event fall on the 13th, 14th and 15th of April of every calendar year.  So what do we at New Year’s Day? Traditionally this is the time for spring cleansing.  We cleanse house, clothes, bed, and everything else.  Holy water is used to rinse bad spirit from body, mind and soul. Get rid off those bad omen and…

It is not easy to explain why some countries in Southeast Asia, such as Burma, Combodia, Laos and Thailand, and even Sri Lanka, have chosen April the 13th as the beginning of their new year. It is not easy to explain why some countries in Southeast Asia, such as Burma, Combodia, Laos and Thailand, and even Sri Lanka, have chosen April the 13th as the beginning of their new year. However, according to nature, April…

By Dr Thongrith Phoumirath The ritual known to the Lao as the Phithi Souane or Phithi Baci is a ritual to call back, welcome, propitiate and unite the khouane with the physical body.  It is the ubiquitous of all Lao functions and celebrations, and integral part if Lao family life. It can be held for a farewell, welcome, birth of a baby, birthdays, house warming, job promotions, harvest, new car, marriage and a New Year…