Lao New Year Holiday in Laos ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Lao New Year Holiday in Laos and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Lao New Year Holiday in Laos and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Lao New Year, also known as Pii Mai, is an important holiday in Laos that marks the start of the traditional Laotian calendar. It is a three-day festival usually celebrated in April, and it has been observed for centuries. The celebration honors the traditional gods, spirits, and ancestors, and it is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the previous year while also looking ahead with optimism for the coming year.
The celebration of Lao New Year begins on the first day with a ritual of cleansing and purification. This includes bathing with perfumed water and incense, offering food and flowers to the spirits, and making offerings at shrines and temples. On the second day, people dress up in their finest clothes and visit family and friends for feasting and socializing. People exchange gifts and money, sing traditional songs, and dance.
On the third day, people gather around a symbolic pole made from banana tree branches, called a baci. They tie white strings around the pole to bless it and give thanks for the blessings of the new year. Afterward, everyone joins together for a feast with plenty of food, music, and dancing. Lao New Year is a time of joy and celebration for all in Laos and a reminder of the blessings of the new year.