We enjoy
experimenting with different looks and images for LCW. The new
image or emblem/insignia on LCW includes the new slogan or tagline
for LCW. First the translation:
Lao
Sumphan - Laoconnection.com's somewhat equivalent meaning
in Lao.
Then the
stream of writing at the bottom of the image is:
Khon
- people
Hung
vatana tum - culture
Leung - issues
Lao - Lao
And this
is essentially what LCW is all about: Lao People, Culture, Issues.
We're glad that you like the image.
This
old flag was used during the monarchial times. The image was
the three headed elephant on top of a stand with an umbrella
(or parasol) on top.
The three
headed elephant image is Buddhist/Hindu in origin - its called
Airavata (or Erawan in Thai & Cambodia).
The elephant has always been a symbol of greatness, wisdom
and as a vehicle.
Many former
Lao kings prized these large animals, especially the light colour/albino-like
elephants. To this day, the current Lao government still keep
a few for special occassions and celebrations. Coincidentally,
the three headed mythic elephant symbol had the same number
as there were principalities. Thus it is said that the three heads represent the former small kingdoms of Vientiane, Luangprabang,
and Champassak.
The umbrella
also has certain meanings. In Sri Lanka and India, Buddhist
temples were in the shape of huge domes and on top of the
dome there would be a small umbrella (or parasol) surrounded
by square railings. The highest point of the dome or pillar,
in this case, the umbrella represents the Buddhist cosmological
myth of Mt. Meru being the center of the universe.
The flag's
background color red represents the blood of the people. The
stand on which the elephant is standing on represents the
laws of the country/kingdom.
