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I came from a family of seamstress and for us to have a fascination for silk fabric is not surprising at all, my oldest sister loves silk fabric, but I believed she is more familiar with the Thai silk than the Lao silk, I think Lao textiles are no less beautiful than the Thai textiles.
I recently learned about a company that manufactured Lao textiles through the Today Show called Ock Pop Tok, means East meets West. From their website, Lao textiles are still used in many aspects of daily life from ceremonies to the household such as,
- Pha Bieng Scarf for the upper body (used by Buddhists)
- Pha Hom Blanket
- Pha Sabai Healing cloth
- Sihn Skirts
- Pha Phok Long Funeral cloth
- Pha Kaan Head cloth
- Pha Phii Mon Shaman Cloth
- Pha Mong Mosquito net decoration
- Pha Khan Mon A love gift handkerchief
- Pha Tung Prayer Flag
What I find fascinating is their ‘Silkworms & Natural Dyes Workshop, Dye your own Scarf,’ this is on my to-do list if I’m ever in that area and if time permits. Below is the agenda for the workshop, and I found photos by annamatic3000, Anna Lee who took the class during her visit to Laos,
Spend the afternoon in a stunning Mekong riverside garden. Prepare natural dyes and dye your own silk scarf. The workshop looks at silkworms, natural dyes and weaving techniques. The afternoon’s programme is interactive and full of fascinating information; a unique and entertaining opportunity to learn about silk dyeing & weaving.
Meet the silkworms. First there is an explanation about the worms’ lives; where they come from, who makes silk in Laos and a bizarre list of facts regarding sericulture. Guests are invited to prepare mulberry leaves and feed the worms.
Below are the mulberry trees on a misty morning Vangviang Organic Farm, Laos. The mulberry trees provide leaves to feed to the silk worms, plus mulberry tea, mulberry wine, and mulberry shakes.
Dye your own scarf with a natural dye. After a brief introduction to the natural dyes, guests are invited to prepare a dye source. Indigo – green, turmeric – yellow, sappan – pink or purple, lemongrass – light yellow, annatto – monk robe orange, indigo paste – blue. After preparing the dye source white scarves are dyed in the chosen colours.
Below are Turmeric (yellow), Annatto seeds (monk robe orange), Indigo leaves (blue green), and Sappan wood (purple)
High Definition videos of Luang Prabang, Laos by James Quilty at Vimeo.
- Mee and Tho’s Luang Prabang
Mee and Tho are children who live on the other side of the Mekong river from Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos. Each day they cross it to sell trinkets to the tourists and help their family in the markets. We met them at a museum devoted to traditional Lao houses where they and their friends hang out and attend art classes on weekends. Mee and Tho offered to show us their Luang Prabang. This is the first of a three part series. The traditional music is from the album “Music of Laos: the Buddhist Tradition.”
- Mee and Tho’s Luang Prabang - The Mekong
On the second day Mee and Tho show us the morning market and we take a journey along the Mekong to see the Buddha caves and the waterfalls. We end the day watching the semi-annual boat races. This is the second of a three part series. The traditional music is from the album “Music of Laos: the Buddhist Tradition.”
- Mee and Tho’s Luang Prabang - Almsgiving
On the final day of our trip to Luang Prabang, Yui and I cross the Mekong to visit Mee and Tho’s villiage, Ban Xiangmen. We participate in the almsgiving to the local monks and meet with the senior monk who shows us the ancient temples Wat Chom Pet and Wat Long Khon. Ban Xiangmen is almost as rich with history and architectural beauty as Luang Prabang. This is the third of a three part series. The traditional music is from the album “Vision of the Orient - Music from Laos”
Updated Photos 5/1/2008:
Wat in the last clip at 4:43 with the animal in question (Screen shot 1) that the Thai interpreter claimed that it is a symbol that Laos was once ruled by Thai King, which I don’t believe it is the case. In Buddhist iconography, we find the lions (Singhto) in their role of dharma protectors supporting the throne of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas. They are also found at the entrance of the monasteries and shrines. I think the lions here are symbolic of the bodhisattvas, the “sons of the Buddha” or “Buddha’s lions” holds true here, and not the sign of Thai King. See full explanation in comment, below are screen shots, and photos by James Quilty at Flickr.
Screen shot 1:
Screen shot 2:
You can visit his blog at Notes From Thailand, and I also added him to my blogroll for future visit.
Interesting photos of Lao New Year 2008 (Lao year: 2551) at Wat Lao Buddhavong in Catlett, Virginia, also known as, and referred by people as Wat Lao Buddhavong of Washington DC, photos by Kevin Borland, Esq. at Flickr.
The above photo made me think that it is Kabinlaphom’s head that is placed on the tray, when the anniversary of his death arrived, each year one of his seven daughters would go to recover her father’s head and wash and clean it, and this daughter is Nang Sangkaan, photo below.
I’m not sure which one is the winner, both are beautiful…
Beautiful Lao girl…
I visited Wat Lao Buddhavong several times and this Island Shrine of Buddha is new, I’m hoping that it will still be there the next time I visit.
By summertime the pond will be filled with water lilies, must be a sight to see, below was taken July 4th of last year of my GI Joe sister at Wat Lao Buddhavong.
Click here to see a full set of Lao New Year photos by Kevin Borland, Esq. at Flickr.
Related posts:
Happy Lao New Year 2008
Photos of Lao New Year 2008
Nang Sangkaan
Songkran Festival and Happy Lao New Year
I visited a Buddhist temple on Lao New Year and wrote a post at Laovoices.com, The Southeastern part of the United States Celebrating of Lao New Year 2008. Please visit there for more photos.
More photos of Lao New Year 2008
When I wrote Happy Lao New Year 2008 I vaguely remembered the story as to why or how King Kabinlaphom head got cut off. I heard this story about 4 or 5 years ago during a Lao New Year celebration hosted by a Lao Association in our area and we had Tuk Badt, and this is the story that the monk preached during Pra Taid or sermon (the same monk that explained the sand stupas to me.) I found the story at Seasite Laos that tells the story of Nang Sangkaan.
(Photo by Savannakhet at Flickr)
There is a story told in Laos to explain why Lao people pour water on each other on the New Year in the fifth lunar month. The story is called Nang Sangkaan.
Once a rich man had a son, Thao Thammapaala, who was a most intelligent and wise man. Once he had learned all kinds of knowledge, he established his own school. He taught his pupils and other people until he became well-known all over the land.
At that time, Thao Mahaphom, also called Kabinlaphom, descended to ask Thao Thammapaala a riddle with the condition that if Thammapaala could solve the riddle, Kabinlaphom would behead himself in acceptance of Thammapaala’s wisdom. But if Thammapaala could not solve the riddle, his head would be cut off.
The riddle was:
“Where does the human grace dwell in the morning, noon, and evening?”
Thammapaala could not solve the riddle right away. So, he asked for an extension of seven days to ponder the riddle. His request was granted. But after three days, he still could not solve the riddle. He became so ashamed of himself that he fled from his own home and wandered aimlessly in the forest for many days. He became so exhausted that he had to take a rest under a palm tree on the top of which was a nest of two eagles, a husband and a wife. Thammapaala overheard the conversation between the two birds (Note from Ginger: from what the monk said, he was so smart that he understood the bird’s language.)
The female eagle asked, “What are we going to have for lunch tomorrow?”
The male eagle replied, “We are going to have Thammapaala’s corpse for lunch. He will be killed because he cannot solve Kabinlaphom’s riddle.”
The female eagle asked again, “What is the riddle?”
The male eagle replied, “Where does the human grace dwell in the morning, noon, and evening? The answer is quite simple. In the morning, human grace dwells in the face. Thus, to be propitious, we must wash our face after we wake up. At noon, human grace dwells in the chest. Thus, to be propitious, we must rub our chest with water [Edit: meaning perfume] at noon. In the evening, human grace dwells in the feet. Thus, to be propitious, we must wash our feet before we go to bed.” After hearing the conversation, Thao Thammapaala hurriedly got up and rushed home.
In the morning, Kabinlaphom came to see Thammapaala. Once Thammapaala could solve the riddle, Kabinlaphom kept his promise. But before he behead himself, he called his seven daughters to see him. He then gave them instructions:
“I will cut off my head to pay homage to Thammapaala for his profound wisdom. But if my head falls on the earth, it will cause hellish fire. If it is thrown in the air, there will be no rain. If it is thrown in the sea, the sea will go dry. So, you must bring a tray to receive my head and then place the tray in a small hall called mondob (or Lao people call it hophii–the ghost’s hall). This hall is in a cave called Khanthumaalii in Kailash mountain.” So, all was done according to his instructions. When the aniversary of his death arrived, each year one of his seven daughters would go to recover her father’s head and wash and clean it. Then, they would go in a procession around Mount Sumeru. When that was done they would bring the tray to keep in the same place.
I should say ‘Souksan Vanh Pee Mai’ or Happy Lao New Year everyone. I told my co-workers that we’re having our Lao New Year next week, and they were very confused, one said that “I thought you just had one.” I just had two (I corrected her), one on January 1st, then another on February 7th for Chinese New Year, this one is Lao New Year, usually celebrate in April.
- Thai New Year Song
Last year I visited a local temple and what I found fascinating were the sand stupas, which are decorated with flags, white lines, and people would splash or pour perfumed water on them and as part of merit making, I donated money to help buy the sand. I asked the local monk about it, and he said that the sand stupas symbolize the mountain of Phoukao Kailat where King Kabinlaphom’s head was kept by his seven daughters (the monk sort of grinned at me because he knew that my dad has eight daughters, he is probably thinking one daughter too many.)
He explained that many of the practices such as pouring water over Buddha images, monks’ hand, or splashing water for festive and fun all came about from the story of King Kabinlaphom. I vaguely remembered the story (read the story of Nang Sangkaan) as to why or how his head got cut off but his severed head was kept in a cave, and his 7 daughters (representing 7 days of the week, I believed) would visit their father’s head every year and perform a ritual for prosperity, and it’s right before the farming season therefore asking for good season of rain as well.
Below are photos of Lao New Year 2007 celebration at Wat Sayaphoum, known for its best Pali school in the city and it’s located in Savannakhet, Laos (photos by Savannakhet at Flickr.) Savannakhet is also where the second Lao-Thai Friendship Mekong Bridge crossing at Savannakhet, Laos and Mukdahan, Thailand.
As for Nang Sangkaan pageant, there are seven contestants; each one represents one of the King Kabinlaphom’s seven daughters.
I had a chance to attend a Baci Ceremony on Saturday, and a Baci is used for many special events, but it’s sometimes called Sou Khuane which we often hear in events such as a Lao Traditional Wedding, a homecoming, after a birth of a new born and the Baci is for both the mother and the baby, recovering from an illness, and many more. The one I attended was for a new born.
An important item for this ceremony is the Phakhuane, which is made from fresh banana leaves (can use green decorated color paper to substitute), cut and folded into cone shape, and decorated with fresh flowers, silk flowers, or plastic flowers. Since I was from out of town, I got there the day before, sort of, if you would call 2 am Saturday morning. I had a few hours of sleep, and got up early to help prepare the food. I also helped to decorate the Phakhuane, this one is decorated with fresh flowers, and the Phakhuane is made out of thick green paper to substitute for the traditional banana leaves. Around the base of the Phakhuane is the food for Khuane (Spirit), there are hard-boiled eggs that symbol the fetus, fruits, sweets and rice, a bottle of whisky for purification, and boiled whole chicken with head and feet intact for divination.
The Baci ceremony begins with Mor Phon, a person that performs Sou Khuane ceremony, he would take the white thread that’s connecting the Phakhuane, and give one end to the mother and the other to the father of the child, the baby is present at the Baci ceremony, the couple whilst holding the white thread in the palm of their hands in a Wai position, which is the upside down Y shape.
Mor Phon then closes his eyes and begins the ceremony of Sou Khuane by citing chant verses, very poetic in nature, this ceremony was about 30 minutes long, and at the closing of the ceremony, the crown of families and friends join in and say, “Khuane Aeh Ma Deh”, meaning “please come, spirit come.”
Mor Phon then does the honor of tying the white blessing stings on the baby’s wrists, then the parents’ wrists called Phook Ken, after he finishes, then everyone joins in to tie the baby and the couple’s wrists, and whilst doing so, they would also give blessing. I saw several people that roll up money and tie it on the white string, to give as a gift. The symbolic of sting tying is for good luck and a blessing, then friends and families tie strings for one another for good luck.
The best part is the food, as Laotians know how to wine and dine their guests.
I wrote a post on Is Tattoo Just A Body Art or A Cultural Sacred Design and this has been my most popular post as many people are interested in tattoo. There are 2 main reasons as to why people decide to get tattoo, as for some, they only see tattoo as a body art, the canvas is on the human body, a very fascinating concept to me. I don’t have a tattoo, but I do see the beauty in tattoos and this type of tattoo is more popular amongst women and very popular in Japan from what I have came across.
Tattoo Bride Photo by Nahpan
Uploaded by Jose M. Ruiz Garrido, actress Angelina Jolie attends the premiere of “Ocean’s Thirteen”; at the Grauman’s Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California June 5, 2007. The tattoos on Jolie’s arm represent the coordinates of the birth places of her children.
This video of Thai spiritual tattoo, also known as Sak Yant by Ajahn Noo Kanpai is very interesting, I’ve seen the actual temple tattoo on a friend, which I think it’s fascinating because it’s not your ordinary tattoo; the design has a religious feel to it.
Ajarn Noo does 2 types of tattoos, and both are cultural sacred designs. The first is at the very beginning of the video where the designs of the tattoo is invisible, but the main purpose is to gain wisdom, possess power of kindness as he uses a special ointment of varnt (special roots from plants), the process of Sak Yant is exactly the same as using black ink, in this case a very sacred design.
Another is the sacred design that deemed to possess magic power of protection; he puts Monh (magic) of prayers inside the design, which I believed was written in Pali, Sanskrit. Thai Temple tattoo of Sak Yant (photo on right hand side,) which is geometrically designs that deemed to possess magic powers of protection is very popular amongst Asian warriors, such as the Thais, Laotians, and Khmers in the old days and still very popular today.
There are other designs such as the lion (Singhto), which is a symbol of bravery and cunning. Thai men would choose a tiger design, not just a picture of a tiger but tattoo their body to look like tiger, many have had designs that covered every square inches of their body. The reason for the tiger design is that Thai people, especially the Lanna, believed that their ancestors were once tiger, therefore to show respect and in remembrance of their ancestors, they’d choose the tiger design. Another popular one is the hanuman, which is the Hindu monkey god, which is to protect against illness, against being shot, against being cut, and to give courage.
In part of the video where the men have strange reaction, it is believed that the sacred designs that were tattooed (Sak) into their body, whether it be the tiger, dragon, or hanuman would come out and they’d act like the animal that they chose, and this is a sign that that person truly gained the power of protection. Sak Yant is very fascinating to me; to the Thais, Laotians, Khmers, and many others, tattoo is not just a body art but also a sacred design.
A photo below, a young monk has a tattoo of prayers added to his back at Wat Bang Pra, Thailand; photo by Stephen Shaver
I wrote a story of Loi Krathong Festival of the time when I was little growing up in Thailand; this is mainly from my view on things as a kid. There is more to the story than what was told, and I came upon the story whilst reading Buddhism for Young students by Ven. Dr. C. Phangcham, which explains in depth of what the two events are, and both the Lao and Thais celebrate Kathin and Loy Krathong Festivals.
Photo by Frans.Vanderlee, Royal Kathin Ceremony
As for Kathin, when Buddhism was first established, the number of monks and nuns was relatively small. Originally, monks did not stay at any one particular place. Most of the time, they moved around the country in their mission to spread the teachings of the Buddha for the happiness and welfare of the entire population.
During the rainy season, when the country experienced heavy and frequent rainfalls, things were quite difficult for them and their travels were often impeded or interrupted. In this season, the farmers also cultivated their land and grew crops.
The Buddha allowed his disciples to remain stationed in a specific place temporarily and to stop wandering during this time. It was called VASSA or Rains Retreat. It begins on the 15th day of the Waxing Moon of the 8th Lunar Month and ends on the 1st Lunar Month (approximately July through October.) All Buddhist monks and fully ordained nuns in all parts of the world have to observe the Rains Retreat during this period, thought in certain countries the custom has been modified.
In the Countries of Southeast Asia, where Buddhist monks and nuns live, after three months of Retreat observance, people have a very grand festival of offering food to the monks in various monasteries. At the same time, they prepare special yellow robes, which are offered to the Sangha. This special yellow robe offering is called the Kathin Offering Ceremony. It can be done only during the period from the end of the Retreat to the first day of the Waning Moon of the 12th Lunar Month.
Photo by Hartfried Schmid, Loy Krathong
Then there is Loy Krathong, at the end of the Kathin Festival season, when the rivers and canals are full of water, the Loy Krathong Festival takes place in all parts of Thailand and Laos on the full moon night of the Twelfth Lunar Month. The people who want to participate in this festival bring their bowls (Krathong) made of leaves (which contain flowers,) candles and incense sticks, as well as some food and coins to the appointed places.
Everyone lights candles and incense sticks in his or her Krathong and then makes a wish and floats the Krathong gently on the surface of the rivers, streams, ponds, or canals. The traditional practice of Loy Krathong was meant to worship and pay homage to the Holy Footprint of the Buddha on the beach of the NAMADA River in India. It was originally a Brahmanical rite whereby Hindus gave thanks to the Mother (goddess) of the Ganges River, which is their source of life and vigor in their country.
It is said that in Thai literature of the Sukhothai period, Nang Nophamas, a virtuous lady in the court of King Ruang, was skilled in the art of making beautiful Krathongs for the occasion. The season of Loy Krathong is important not only for its religious aspect, but also for development of artistic crafts and social bonding. It offers a good opportunity for people from different areas and for boys and girls to meet one another. These festivals have been observed from the Sukhothai period to the present time.
Photos from B-Vong website of a Lao Traditional Wedding
Courting, Love, Marriage. If you’re Laotian what better way to assure a lifetime of love and marriage than a Lao traditional wedding ceremony. It’s considered to be one of the most honorable duties for Lao girls, and most joyful for her parents to see their daughter honoring and respecting them by choosing Lao traditional wedding as a median in transition of starting a family. It might not legally be recognized as a marriage but more so of a tradition. This is to value the Lao ways, respect Lao culture, and respect our elders. The couple can make it official at a city hall prior or after the Lao traditional wedding. Some might also have a Christian ceremony in conjunction with Lao traditional wedding, which is also acceptable and at the same time, legally recognized.
The Lao traditional wedding ceremony has been around for generations and very important for younger generations to pass down, if not like anything else, the Lao tradition will die out. The marriage is taken seriously by the Lao community and all parties involved, and it’s regarded as a lifelong commitment made by the couple. In the eyes of the Buddhist religion, the marriage is recognized and sacred, but the wedding ceremony need not be conducted in the presence of monks and is usually performed at the bride’s home.
We’ve heard of the Buddhist wedding ceremony which made us to believe that the monk would perform the ceremony, but in reality the monk doesn’t perform the Lao wedding ceremony, and if the monks were present at the Lao traditional wedding, they are not directly involved but more so as to Tum Boun Tak Badth (blessing and morning Alms); if they’re invited, Ni Mon, which we’ve often seen at a Lao traditional wedding, there always should be an odd number such as 3, 5, 7 and the maximum could be 9 monks for good luck.
The Lao traditional marriage involves a tradition called Sinsord, which is a custom of paying a dowry to compensate a family of the bride for her mother’s milk or Nam Nomb. There’s no set amount, the sum is typically determined by the bride’s family, which they might ask for the amount that is determined by the status of the bride’s family, that can vary from money, gold, live stocks, land, etc. Nowadays, only some families hand the dowry back to the couple as a wedding gift, some families in the US don’t require a dowry, and some families keep the money.
I think there is certain expectation of Lao woman, an expectation for her to be traditional regardless of how far we’ve come in civilization, there is still that tradition that bonds her and makes her somewhat of a traditional classic in my opinion. One of my male friends once said, “I once heard, ‘a good woman is like a diamond in the rough, she just needs a little polishing to shine.’” When I first heard this, I disagree and I though it was just me, so I asked two of my American co-workers, and as soon as they heard the statement, they both made a face. I guess we all thought that it was an inappropriate statement to be used with woman. I think if she is going to shine, she doesn’t need any polish because she shines from within.
The phrase is clearly a metaphor for the original unpolished state of diamond gemstones, especially those that have the potential to become high quality jewels. It is more commonly expressed in the form ‘rough diamond’. The first recorded use in print is in John Fletcher’s A Wife for a Month, 1624: “She is very honest, and will be as hard to cut as a rough diamond.”
However, the term ‘a diamond in the rough’ has a somewhat of a different meaning, it is referred to someone who is basically good hearted but lacking social graces and respect for the law. In this case, it should not be used, and referred to a woman as ‘a diamond in the rough.’ I know I wouldn’t like it if someone were to call me this. I’m wondering how other females feel about this?
When I translated an article, Sayo Laos Magazine at Laovoices.com, I realized that the owner, Ardina Mahavong is somewhat of a modern classic Lao woman, with high self-confident that is living in the digital world. She is a working “Laos” woman that’s juggling between import and export, magazine and television. She was born and raised in Vientiane, Laos, and is of mixed Lao-Pakistan descent, growing up in the modern society of Lao Muslim. You can read more about her career here.
Photo by Adam Cathro
As a person that was raised partly in Laos and Thailand, a lot of the cultural way of thinking has made me of who I am today, but growing up in the western society, I’m beginning to see that some of the ideas behind as to why we do certain things are not the best solutions because I personally feel that it should be handled differently. For example, one of the biggest things for Laotians is face, we’ll do anything to save face, and at whatever cost, whether it’s going into debts to get material processions to show off, or carrying our children’s photos to show off their achievements even to the extreme of blindly lied about the situations.
As a typical Laotian having to show respect for others, strangely I find myself agreeable even knowingly that they lied to me. I didn’t have the heart to tell them how I feel. I couldn’t bring myself to tell them to wake up and smell the coffee. I couldn’t tell them that I knew the truth, that I’m not that naïve and ignorance. I couldn’t tell them that they’re making a fool of themselves, even in my writing, I find myself beating around the bush, couldn’t bring myself to write as is but write about things indirectly, and not stating exactly what I mean…might be for fearing that they might lose face, one day this way of thinking has to change.
One of the things that I admire about the westerners is their ability to tell you how they feel, assuming that if you were to ask to borrow money from a friend, and s/he can’t help you, s/he would come straight out and say, ‘sorry, I can’t help you because I don’t have that kind of money,’ and everything is cool and when you meet again, then it’s the normal greeting of hello and that little incident has not changed the relationship between the two of you.
Sadly, I can’t say that this holds true for Laotians, forget about borrowing money, from my own personal experience of the time that I lost my job over 10 years ago, I lost many friends, people tried to avoid me even when I ran into them at the supermarket. It’s as if I had a disease that looked obvious, and they made me feel like I had one that was highly contagious. I just lost my job, which in today’s economy is very normal. I often wonder why they treated me that way; I guess they were afraid that I might borrow money from them. That was a wake up call for me, this is how many relationships are based on, friendship with conditions, it was something new to me, but as I got older and met more Laotians, I’m beginning to see the trend that friendship comes with conditions.
Continued from Part II
This is a translated article from Koosang Koosom Magazine, written by Manop Keosanith written in Thai Language, translated by Ginger.
I’ve mentioned in part I that Goumonthong (golden boy or baby ghost) was a powerful being, and the most well known one was from the Thai legend of ‘Koun Changh Koun Panh’
….as the story goes, after Koun Panh (aka, Prie Keo) and Nang Boukrey, the daughter of Mernharn, became husband and wife, and shortly after that, she became pregnant. One day, Mernharn got upset with Koun Panh, his son in-law; therefore plotted to kill him by letting Nang Boukrey to put poison substance in his food. Luckily that Koun Panh has Hoong Pri (ghost spirit), and it warned him that his wife was trying to poison him, and not for him to eat her food, therefore saved his life. This outraged Koun Panh, he then seek revenged by plotting to kill his wife for her baby so he could make it into Goumonthong (golden boy or ghost baby.)
Before killing her, he had to ask his wife for her baby; this’s according to the instruction and guideline of how to make Goumonthong that the Goumon (dead baby) has to be given by both parents. Since Koun Panh was the father, all he needed was for the mother to give him her baby. So he asked her everyday for her baby. She thought it was rather strange because he was the father, why would he need to ask her for his own baby.
This is a translated article from Koosang Koosom Magazine, written by Manop Keosanith written in Thai Language, translated by Ginger.
Those were the good old days, having faith or believing in Lok Grok (Lok Lort in Lao) was very common, but it’s rare in this day and age, but still exists. If you’re interested in seeing one, it’d be very difficult to find, not like back then where it’d be in many homes in the village. Today, you might even find yourself looking at animal Lok Grok, such as dog or cat that aren’t as powerful as human, but at least it’s still Lok Grok, I think by having one, you have nothing to lose.
Information provided about Lok Grok came from the central region of Thailand, whist Professor Prakhong Nimmanmirn has recorded in the year 2542 (1999) that,
“Lok Grok is an item that is being used by means of black magic, it’s made out of full term human baby, fully developed, but is extremely small in size (neonatal baby), and is deceased after birth and often times, both mother and baby died during the birthing process, this is what it’s called Lok Grok.
The mother or owner would then take this Lok Grok and sprinkle it with Ka Minh power (drying agent) that is golden yellowish in color to preserve the Lok Grok and it’s part of a drying process. This Lok Grok is then placed in a sacred location, whist the owner can worship and it’s believed that Lok Grok will bring them luck and prosperity. If by chance, there’s any bad omen or luck drawn near, then Lok Grok will tell or warn the owner in advance.”
This is a translated article from Koosang Koosom Magazine, written by Manop Keosanith written in Thai Language, translated by Ginger.
Goumonthong, or baby ghost spirit has been around for centuries, it is known as a sacred spiritual being and a valuable asset for those that own one, and can be greatly beneficial to the owner. It is one of the baby ghosts that has special power; the most well known one was from the Thai legend of ‘Koun Changh Koun Panh’ that Goumonthong was one of the most powerful items that Koun Panh own, beside his sword and grayish horse.
Truth is, there is another type of baby ghost that is well known in Thai (Lao) as Goumonthong, and that is Lok Grok (Lok Lort in Lao language.) I’m going to take this opportunity to explain about Lok Grok before talking about Goumonthong, that way it’d be easier to understand the story.
Back in the olden days, Thai (Lao) people believe, which you might call it having faith in something, and that is Lok Grok. Lok Grok is actually a stillborn baby, very small in size and it seems that not all the organs are fully formed. Thai (Lao) people believe that whom ever take this stillborn baby, and care for by means of black magic in the spiritual form, then Lok Grok will help them in many ways, such as helping to protect the owner and will warn him if dangers were near, and would also bring many fortunes in various ways.
I went to see one of my favorite bands Pong Lang Sa-On, I like them mainly because they have great voice and their music is somewhat comical, and sure enough, their concert was load of fun. This was their first time in the US and their show on Saturday was never shown anywhere before so they asked the audience not to video the concert but I saw some that’s still filming it anyway, so wouldn’t surprise me if it were in Youtube or something along that line. Please read more about the event at Laovoices.com. Thanks.
Related Posts:
Wat Lao Buddhavong of Washington D.C.
Art Works At Wat Lao Buddhavong
I found an interesting story about Pee Bpop (ghost that has the tendency to take over a person’s body before eating it’s victim) and I’m hoping to translate it but I want to learn a bit more about the ghost. When I was little living in Laos, we were told to run for cover whenever Pee Bpop was closed by, but what I saw was either an old man or old lady passing by, I guess they were the Pee Bpop. I have a friend that I thought might know a thing or two about Pee Bpop, so I visited him over the weekend, just my luck that I went to the right person, not that he was a Pee Bpop or anything like that, if that was the case, it’d not have been safe for me to stay there at all since I’m still sick, Pee Bpop has the tendency to take over a sick (weak) person’s body. What was interesting was the story of how and why people became Pee Bpop back in Laos, and Issan region of Thailand. I’ve always wondered if Pee Bpop really exists or if it’s mostly a belief of Lao and Issan people, until this day I still don’t have an answer. I do find the story to be fascinating, so I’ll be translating a story of Pee Bpop of Savannakhet, Laos in the next couple of days, should be interesting.
My friend said that in Laos, those that became Pee Bpop were the one that studied Monh (black magic), many times, these Monh (magic) should be used to help people, and certainly not for greed; if misused or abused in any way, the black magic can backfire, and take control of their body and become Pee Bpop; Monh (black magic) is certainly not something that people should be messing around with.
What I’ve found fascinating is the temple tattoo because it’s not your ordinary tattoo; the design has a religious feel to it. I’ve noticed that many Lao and Thai men, especially the older men would have these tattoos on their body. He explained to me that these tattoos have Monh (magic) of prayers in the design, therefore there’re strict rules that must be followed or otherwise he said that the chance of becoming Pee Bpop or crazy is highly likely, very strange concept I thought to myself, I guess if voodoo exists, then this should also, I’d say, if you don’t believe, don’t mock.
My friend also has one on his back, which looks very much like a Thai Temple tattoo of Sak Yant, which are geometrically designs that deemed to possess magic powers of protection, which was given by a monk or Arjarn (holy man) and would put Monh (magic) of prayers inside the design, which was written in Pali Sanskrit. He said that when he had his done, the pain was excruciating, it started by the holy man chanting in ancient Sanskrit while sticking him with the sharp needles, and then with the final blow of breath on his back then it was done, and I guess the blow sealed the magic. He was a former soldier in Laos, therefore needed the tattoo for protection, and said that most of his fellow soldiers also had theirs’, some on their backs and others on their arms or legs. When he came to the US, he had Arjarn (holy man) to undo the Monh (magic), so his tattoo currently has no magical power.
(Above photo: A young monk has a tattoo of prayers added to his back at Wat Bang Phra, Thailand; photo by Stephen Shaver)
What kind of expectation do people have when they Tum Boun? What does Boun look like? Where does Boun go? In addition, how does Boun get there? It’d be a lot easier to see if Boun has physical appearance, and we can actually see that it gets to where we intent for it to go, this is the part that faith comes into play. We all have faith that when we Tum Boun, the Boun would some how get to that person, whether it’s for yourself, your love one, passed love one, or generally given to all living creatures (dead or alive) and wandering spirits. Just because we Tum Boun, doesn’t mean that it’ll go to those that I’ve just mentioned above, there has to be a messenger that deliver the Boun and many times we’d hear it in the chanting of offering of Boun; which is to ask the person to come and receive the Boun, and for some unknown reason as to why that person can’t come, then we’d invite Tavarda (angel from above), and Ma Jour Tor Ra Nee (mother earth from below) to deliver a message to that person (mention name) to come and receive the Boun. Some of us might remember the ceremony of water pouring called Yord Nom. Have you ever wondered why we’ve to pour the water while the monks were chanting and after that, we’d pour the water outside, normally to a huge tree or bush. This is a way to communicate with Ma Jour Tor Ra Nee (mother earth) because when we pour the water on to earth, we’d ask her to deliver the message of Boun to our passed love ones, make sure you mention name(s), very important, so they can come and receive their Boun.
Therefore, that’s how the Boun gets to your passed love ones, when you Tum Boun 100 Vanh, but if you don’t offer it to anyone, then it’s mainly for yourself, and some people when they Tum Boun, they actually want the Boun for themselves, let us just say, still have greed for Boun. If your passed love ones are at a stage that they can’t come to receive their Boun, whether it’s because they’re up above in heaven at the stage of Ni Phan (nirvana, no longer suffering) , or reincarnated into another life form, then what would happen to the Boun? Where will it go? In a situation such as this, then the Boun would come back to the offered, which is nice to know that it’s not a waste. As a Buddhist, it’s good to Tum Boun in the form of Tuk Badt, it’s believed by many that it’s a Boun of life, that they’ll live a long and healthy life; which technically speaking, by Tuk Badt, they’re offering foods to the monks to sustain their livelihoods.
The money tree looks beautiful, and NO, money doesn’t grow on tree at our house, if it does at yours, please let me know, the soil must be extremely rich. The money tree is called Tonh Ga La Pirk, we’d commonly seen at home that Tum Boun; this would give friends and families the opportunity to Tum Boun with the host; offering their money by hanging it on the tree. The tree is then offered as part of the donation to the temple(s), which I think is a nice gesture, and what amount you’re offering is up to you. Some people believe that if you Tum Boun with someone, then maybe you’ll see them again in your next life, and of course, this is a common belief among Buddhists.
Tuk Badt is another task that we’ve commonly seen in Boun 100 Vanh, or other Boun events. Some might ask if it’s a requirement for Boun 100 Vanh, the answer is no; Tuk Badt is another form of Tum Boun and offering to our passed love ones, using the monks as the median. Back in Laos, it is required daily task for monks to go and Bin Ta Badt (morning alms), and have to walk bare feet, which seems cruel, but that’s one of the many sacrifices that they made when vowed into monkshood, to give up of material possessions. It warms my heart to see people offering foods to the monks by Tuk Badt (morning alms), of course everyone have their own reasoning as to why they are doing it. Some might Tuk Badt because they don’t want the monks to have to worry about their next meal, their time should be utilized in teaching Tum Mah (Buddhist religion), which I think it’s a very good idea. Some might Tum Boun for themselves, to increase their Karma, which after Tuk Badt, the monks would normally give blessing. Others are less selfish and would Tum Boun for their passed love ones, or Jour Gum Nye Vain (animals that we ate, asking for forgiveness), then the monks would perform a mini ceremony, and this is when you’d pour water 
called Goud Nom Pra Maid Ta to mother earth so she can tell your passed love ones, or Jour Gum Nye Vain to come and receive their Boun. Since isn’t convenient for monks to Bin Ta Badt (morning alms) in the US, or other foreign countries because our Lao community is so scattered, most people then would incorporate Tuk Badt when ever they Tum Boun, whether it’s Boun 100 Vanh, or Buddha House Blessing. At my mom Boun 100 Vanh, we also had Tuk Badt. If you Tum Boun and invite more than 5 monks, it’s called Sunka Tarn, which is considered a mega Boun event, at my mom Boun 100 Vanh; we had 6 monks, as Cathy would say ‘We did her HONOR.’ If you are going to Tum Boun, aim high and shoot for Sunka Tarn, in our case, we just got lucky.
Prah Gun Taid (offering of money for the monk sermon in a bowl) is another that we’ve had seen in any Boun, and Boun 100 Vanh is no exception. When we’re offering money for this, we’re Tum Boun for knowledge, the offered believe that they’ll become smarter either in this life, if not, I guess settle for next life, let us just say it’s a wishful thinking. As for me, I’m just hoping for knowledge for this life, more or less understanding the current sermon was all I’m asking. One of the sermons was about finding the truth; people would search high and low to find the true meaning of life, and happiness. No need to search further, we don’t need to look far, just look inside, look at oneself; you have the answer, if you’re happy with yourself, that’s your answer, but first you have to understand yourself. I think it’s a very simple concept but most people can’t get this because they live in a material world and think that material possessions will make them happy, life long quest for happiness, sad but true.
Just because we Tum Boun 100 Vanh for our passed love ones, doesn’t mean that Tum Boun has to end there. Some people would Tum Boun every year, and call it Buddha House Blessing. If it’s not convenient to do it at home, then many people find that a temple is a better place to Tum Boun, it’s called Sunka Tarn, and can be done more than once a year. Any types of Boun, including Boun 100 Vanh is a part of our Buddhist tradition, it is something that we should preserve and pass down to younger generations, and I hope that this will give you a better understanding as to why we Tum Boun, especially Boun 100 Vanh.
It has been over 100 days since my mom passed away, it’s also our tradition to show respect by having a memorial service for her which Lao people called it Boun 100 Vanh. As I was talking to different Laotians, old and young, surprisingly they knew very little, and pretty much explained that it’s our tradition and have been passing down for generations. For some, this might be a good enough explanation, but it’s not for me, I want to understand why I’m doing it, my mom is very special to us, and it’s very important for me to understand the event, she won’t be ‘past-tense’ to any of us, because she is a part of us. Since her death, I have many friends that gave me great comfort, some by their kind words, and others by patiently listen. The greatest comfort of all came from one of our local monks by high ranking of Maha that lead the service at my mom Boun 100 Vanh this past Sunday. His words of wisdom has touched our hearts when he said to us ‘even though your mom passed, but she’s always a part of you, your bone structure is a gift from your dad, and the mass and liquid forms of your body are of your mom.’ So if one day you’d ask me, where is my mom? I’ll remember to tell you that she’s with me, today, tomorrow, and always.
Since my mom’s funeral, I’ve been visiting several temples and spoke to numerous monks and some of them thought that it’s almost comical that I’ve had so many questions, some even jokingly asked if I’m a reporter, and if I do make any money for me to donate to the temple. I thought about submitting to a Lao magazine, which means that I won’t be able to publish on my blog, but money is not everything to me, and this post is worth a lot to us; no amount of money would be worth the content of my understanding of Boun 100 Vanh, and special thanks to our local temples for doing such good job in explaining, and performing the ceremony of Boun 100 Vanh for my mom.
For most of us, we don’t normally think about death. When my mom passed, her body turned cold, I never gave much thought why? There’s a good reason why, each of our body are made up of 4 elements, such as earth, water, wind, and fire (everybody’s make up vary according to the region that you were born, which I posted this at Foods From Nature); when a person died, these elements left the body therefore turned cold. For a second there, it might seem ridiculous but it’s so true, and I’ve never thought of it that way before. For a traditional Laotian funeral service, there’s very specific detail as to how a body is being marched to the cemetery, or the crematory site. For some, you might remember this ‘4 Kone Homh (carry), 3 Kone Haih (parade), 1 Kone Nung Krah (sit on the mantle), and 2 Kone Nom Thung (lead the way). Of course, you don’t see this in most Laotian ‘traditional’ funeral services, but what we’ve common seen were the monks leading (seems the more, the better), followed by novice monks (same deal here, the more, the merry), white mai chee (white nuns), the casket, then followed by people (large crowd shown that a person was well respected by the Lao community.) There’re no specific in detail of 4, 3, 1, 2, and most people might not know what I’m talking about; but some might understand the basic terminology because of Lao wordings, but the true meaning of them, I think not.
After hearing the explanations from Maha monk, made perfectly sense to me. The term 4 Kone Homh, why 4 people have to carry the casket, simple reason, the 4 elements that made up a person, which are earth, water, wind, and fire. Why 3 Kone Haih, parade of 3 people behind the casket, symbolize the basic reality of life, no matter who you are, rich or poor, we can’t escape the reality of ‘impermanent, suffering, non-self.’ 1 Kone Nung Krah, would appear to be the body in the casket, but it’s actually our spirit, each only has 1, which immediately leaves our body after we die. Lastly, Why 2 Kone Nom Thung, the casket should only be lead by 2 people, which represent Borb (sin) and Boun (karma, or good deed), where you go from here is lead by your Borb and Boun. So after a person die, there’s no need for the body, leaving it at home would only create problems for the living, this was the explanation given to us by Maha monk, seems cruel to think this way, especially when referring to my mom, but really, it’s so true.
Most Lao people would say Boun 100 Vanh is to Tum Boun (offering of charity to our love ones that passed), which is nothing wrong to think this way, even though there’s more to it. In Lao and Thai tradition, after a person passed, there’s a service at 7 days called Jack Kao, at 50 days as Boun, which it’s not commonly known to most people, and 100 days, which we called Boun 100 Vanh. As for the Thai belief, I read once that after a person died, its like a (long) sleep, s/he’d wake up at 7 days, 50 days, and 100 days and that’s why the Boun are held on these days; but Lao people don’t share this belief. As for my mom Boun 100 Vanh is a Lao tradition, a memorial service in remembrance of my mom, 100 days followed her death, hoping that the Boun that we’re offering to her, will lead her the way, if she is currently suffering, to help alleviate, and if she’s at peace, then to help her achieves even more. As for the point of view of foreigners of all the services that we did for my mom; which my mom’s hospice nurse Cathy nicely put it, ‘You all did her HONOR’; every time I heard those words, I can’t help to feel that what we did for my mom were very noble; her words were comforting to us, which managed to bring tears of mixed emotions every time. As to my mom, Cathy was her angel, my mom felt so blessed to have known her, even at her final moment, she spoke about going to visit Thailand with Cathy, which clearly shown that she was a special person to my mom, and we all feel the same way; thank you for bringing comfort to my mom at her final moment.
Continued at Boun 100 Vanh, A Memorial Service For My Mom – Part II
Songkran is the traditional Lao and Thai New Year; also called the Water Splashing Festival, this year I’ll be visiting one of our local Wats (temples) to celebrate the festive event. Most temples that I know are holding the event on both Saturday and Sunday (4/14 and 4/15/2007).
This is actually my first year, visiting Wat (temple) on Songkran since I’ve been to the US. My dad said that we’d be pouring the water on Buddha images (lodh nom songk) and the monks (songk nom pra); then we’ll receive best wishes from them. The monks would be busied with visitors, and some visitors would want them to tie white ropes around their wrists, which I think its part of our tradition for good luck and prosperity for the year.
What I remember most about Songkran when I was little was the water splashing; it was welcoming because it’s extremely hot in Laos and Thailand during this time of the year. The US climate is very different from back home, and it’s still a bit cold in our area, so I’m not sure if people would splash water at each other. My GI Joe sister said that they would only do it if they know you, but I’m not taking my chances, I’m bringing extra set of clothes just in case. Another thing to look forward to are the food and souvenir vendors at the Wat (temple); I’m looking forward to eat tum buk houng and ping kai (spicy papaya salad and roasted chicken on a stick). This Wat (temple) that I’m visiting is not that big, so most likely they won’t have music or live band, I’m assuming that Wat Lao Buddhavong of Washington D.C. would because they have huge stage, and it’s a heartland of many states, visitors would be coming from Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Delaware, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and might even be as far as New York City, and I believe that they’re having their Songkran Festival this weekend also.
This is my Third New Year celebrations for this year, Happy Lao New Year to all “Sabai Dee Pee Mai”. 
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There are a few versions of ‘Bang Fai - history of the Rocket Festival ceremony in Laos’ that are somewhat similar to this, but I found this one while visiting a local Wat (temple). It’s well written, easy to read, and understand, it was written to commemorate the presentation of the Traditional Lao Rocket to the National Air and Space Museum by the community of the Wat Lao Buddhavong, Washington, DC on October 29, 2005.
Laos, located in the heart of Indochina, is a country of great natural beauty and abundant natural resources. In the past, Laos was known as ‘Souvannaphum,’ meaning ‘Golden Land.’ Laos lies between 14 and 23 degrees northern latitude and between 100 and 108 degrees eastern longitude. It has a land area of 236,000 square kilometers and a population of more than 6 million. There are 3 major ethnic groups and 68 tribal groups. Each of these groups has its own distinct language, culture, tradition, and set of beliefs. But these elements are similar among the groups. The Lowland Lao group, which is one of three larger and more developed groups, has a more diverse set of traditions and cultural elements than the other groups.
Background of the Traditional Rocket Festival in Laos
This Festival is one of the twelve traditional festivals celebrated in Laos. It is usually held during the 6th lunar month, at the beginning of the rainy season (usually in May or early June) to coincide with the planting season. The annual Rocket Festival is held to beseech the God of Rain, called ‘Phraya Thaen,’ to have the rains arrive in a timely fashion for cultivation. The Rocket Festival is considered by the Lao people to be a joyful and fun-filled celebration.
The Festival includes a procession of groups of villagers carrying rockets while singing in a ‘call and response’ style. Their songs are poetic in nature and use sexual themes that symbolize fertility. The humor used in the songs brings laughter to the spectators. The songs symbolize the relationships between heaven and earth as well as between men and women. The songs celebrate the forces of procreation and the abundance of life. They all relate to the need for the annual rains to fall at the proper times to support the growth of the yearly crops.
The Rocket Festival is derived from historical times and mentioned in tales such as ‘The Tale of Pha Daeng-Nang Ai’ and ‘The Tale of Phraya Khankhak (Lord of the Toads).’ Both stories refer to the firing of rockets to the heavens to ask the God of Rain to magically make the rains begin each year. The Lao people consider this Festival to be a very important tradition that must be observed. They believe that in any year that the Rocket Festival is not held, there could be disasters such as crop failures and famine. More about these stories can be found below.
The origin of the Rocket Festival dates back to ancient times. This important tradition has been celebrated by the Lao people fro centuries. The Festival combines the energy and unity of the people in beseeching the heavens for ample and timely rainfall to prevent drought and famine.
Even though the level of belief in asking the God of rain for rainfall has declined over time, nevertheless the Lao people still believe in the importance of holding the Rocket Festival so that the rains will fall before the planting season. Besides the Rocket Festival, religious ceremonies in which senior Buddhist monks pour holy water on local Buddha statues are also held at this time.
Every time when I see a full moon, especially on the 12th month of the year (12th Luna month, sometimes fall on November), I can’t help but to think of Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand. I was only a kid then, but some of my childhood memories were so vivid that always bring a smile to my face. I used to live in Khampang Phet, Northern part of Thailand and Loi Krathong Festival was a big deal for our family.
Loi Krathong is a traditional Thai way of life, it is widely believed that these are offerings made to Mae Khongkha (mother of waters) either to please her in an expression of gratitude for providing life-sustaining water throughout the year, and to ask her for forgiveness for man’s carelessness in polluting the water that nourishes all life. Many also believe that by setting adrift the krathong, one symbolically casts away one’s grief, misery, and ill fortunes. Coins are also placed in the krathong as offerings. For the romantic at heart and young couples, Loi Krathong is the time to make wishes for happiness together and success in love.
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