Gatherings. With
celebrations, partying, eating, drinking, ceremonies, offerings to
the monks, releasing of birds, dancing, cleaning of one's home.
Lao New Year's is very
much indicative of Lao people and of how much celebrating that actually
goes on throughout the year. It has been said that while the
Boun Bpee Mai in Laos is officially 3 days, celebrations
do continue practically throughout the month with additional boun
or parties. As a very laid back people and where communities
and family are key to one's life, celebrations in Laos are essential
for social togetherness, relaxation and most of all for having fun
(not to mention people are allowed to get out of work and school for
these celebrations). During New Year's nearby cities and/or
small towns will usually congregate into a specified or desired temple,
house or city and have a huge celebration with lots of food and beautifully
lit areas, dancing, and Buddhist ceremonies.
If you want to visit Laos, one of most favourable time to do so is
during the Lao New Year's celebration.
Cleaning. Also
during this season and during the LNY timing, houses are cleaned and
bedrooms are re-arranged, shrines and Buddhas are cleaned and water
poured over them.
Offerings.
Offerings and gifts are given to the monks. Contrary to how
some western people have described the monks receiving food or other
gifts as "begging", which is inappropriate and wrong.
When someone goes to a Catholic church and the money basket is passed
around the church, money is put in and that is the donation.
The gifts these monks and their temples receive is the same underlying
point - a donation that helps the giver gain merit and support for
the charity. It helps to feed them, pay for basic certain necessities
and in some cases pieces of literature, etc. Further, as mentioned
earlier people offer it to them to symbolize the clensing and repenting
of themselves - and to gain positive merit (good karma). Moreover,
offerings to deceased ancestors is particularly important and you
will often see people cleaning and visiting dead loved one's stupa.
Annointing.
As a sign of being annointed and clarifying oneself for the New Year
so that all may begin the New Year with a fresh start, the presiding
monk will sprinkle water that has been blessed. Additives are
added to the water including perfume, wax, and flowers. This becomes
a symbol of hope for the New Year when it is sprinkled on to others.
In
a separate engagement, as part of the many LNY celebrations that
go on, everyone begins throwing water, called b'houn haut nam.
No one
is immune from these festivities so beware - you will get wet. It
is said that those who appear to be more resistant will be even
more targeted for getting wet. Ultimately it is all in good fun
and a memorable experience. Just imagine a water-fight from when
you were a child, but multiply this a hundred fold.
LAO YEAR/CALENDAR
Year 2006 BCE = 2549
(Buddhist Year). For more details on the Lao Calendar, click here.
NOTES
Speaking of New Year's,
the Hmong, who are part of the Lao Soung ethnic group, celebrate
their's in December. It's refered to as "Boun Kin Chieng".
In which case, "Happy New Year" to our Hmong/Meo Lao friends out there,
as well.
Further, Chinese and
Vietnamese Mayahana Buddhists celebrate their cultural religious New
Year that hovers around January/February. As you can see, the
diverse cultural heritage adds to the list of b'houns thoughout
the year in Laos.
Many tourists will prefer
to visit Laos during a major b'houn (festival or party) because
it gives you a chance to experience the sites, people, food, music,
dancing, and cultural traditions all at once. You may want to
consider visiting Laos during New Year's in April or during B'houn
That Luang (That Luang Festival) in November. For a list of yearly
celebrations click Events.
Part #2 (cont'd)
