Part 2
CONTENTS:
LAO FLAG / DOK CHAMP / THAT LUANG / EMBLEM / KHENE

THAT LUANG

The That Luang, in Vientiane, is somewhat of an un-official national symbol of the country. However, its image is used on the embassy seal. This shows how deep rooted Buddhism is throughout Laos.

Use of the image is symbolic of Laos' long historical affiliation with Buddhism. A religion that entered Laos over several centuries ago. It is estimated that over 70% of Lao people are followers of this religion. The That Luang is one of the oldest, most visibly impressive and original Buddhist that or chedi in Laos.

The National Emblem

The Lao emblem contains several images. If you look really close you can actually see writing on the bottom and at the sides. All text written in Lao: It has some words written to the left and right. However the most important features included are at the bottom where it reads Sathalanalat Pasathipatai Pasason Lao which is the official name of the country - Lao People's Democratic Republic. Additionally you can see that the two curves at the right and left are actually rice stalks which of course reflects Laos' main agricultural item and its primary staple food. Furthermore, there is the forever-present That Luang image in between the two stalks. The That Luang, a religious Buddhist temple, is often described as Laos' (unofficial) national symbol.

The emblem has been adjusted about two or three times since its creation back in the 1970s. These changes were usually in the text or words and images included on the emblem. For example they removed the word 'socialism' and the communist symbols, hammer and sickle.

This emblem is also used on the embassy seal. However in these cases it has been observed without the text appearing on the left and right sides.

The Khene

Often described as Laos' national instrument. The Khene is made up of several pieces of bamboo. To learn more head over to our Music section.

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