Baci Ceremony
Pha Khuan
The Pha Khuane is the arrangement of a dish or bowl, often silver from the top of which sprouts a cone or horn made of banana leaves and containing flowers, white cotton or silk threads. It can be bought from markets in Laos and in Western countries, it is usually constructed.
Why do people pay respects to the souls?
For many generations Lao people believe in their souls. There are two types of souls (Khuanes). The first type is the head which can be touched or seen. The other Khuan is untouchable or cannot be seen which is the Khuane that the wise man calls during the ceremony. It is believed that each human being has 32 khuane that belong to each part of the body. It is important of as many khuane to remain together in body at any one time. Lao people also respect and believe that there are Khuan which stay in things or living things around us, such as cattle, buffaloes, ploughs, mills, rice houses, baskets of rice, stove and so on. So Lao people respect that Khuan is an important part of their lives. If it is away from the person, he or she will be unlucky and unhappy. When an unfortunate incident occurs, such as a car accident or falling from a tree, or haunted by ghosts, people will use a Baci to call the souls back. Even though after death, it is believed that the soul will be with the body for seven days to wait for the Bhuddist ceremony.
The Words for Baci
Baci ceremony can be arranged for many occasions. Baci for Lao New Year is the most popular on e for Lao people. Although the blessing words and the styles of the wise men are different, the main meanings are similar as below:
“Your soul that is away, please get back today. Please return home on the roads where people use. If you have the ghost food, please omit it out. Please come with your empty stomach and come to have food with us. Come here to have fish and fruits. Come to have some water.”
The White String
White string is used to tie around your hand. It means to protect the good luck and prevent the bad. It is a symbol of loving kindness and friendliness and cleanness like the white string colour. After the wise man says the wishes, he takes a handful with rice and egg or cookies to tit the had and simply tells the bad things to go away. Then he continues his words of wishes until the string is prepared and tied to your wrist.
