Baci Ceremony – All about the Unique Blessing Custom of Laos

If you wish experience exciting with Laos culture, interact with locals, and have the chance to enjoy the cuisine only appear in the ceremony, Baci ceremony will meet that requirements. It will completely be the wonderful spotlight of your Laos tour.

What is “Baci Ceremony”? – Baci Ceremony Meaning & Definition

Baci ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies in Laos culture. The meaning of Baci is the same with the sukwan meaning “calling the soul” as well as an indispensable aspect of many important events in their life such as weddings, funerals, births, illnesses, bye, etc. This protocol usually happens between a few people, with one or two “recipients”, “celebrate” and some “assistants”.

Rituals & Practices in the Traditional Baci Ceremony

The Baci ceremony is held any day of the year because it has a specific meaning in someone’s life. And usually, this celebration is held at noon so people can easily join with local people. During the Baci rite, there is an important ritual that is kwan. Lao people believe that in their bodies they are a coalition of three bodies, and kwan plays the role of protecting each of them. Because all kwan is usually the cause of the diseases, the Baci ceremony calls the kwan or spirits from wherever they can move, and return to the body, then securing them in place.

The rite was carried out by an elderly person in the village and they had been a Buddhist for some time. The pah kwan or flower trays are well prepared by the people to ensure the ceremony is celebrated in the most respectable way. Normally, pah wan is prepared by older women in the family. A special thing for flowers, they are decorated with many different colors with many meanings for example dok huk is a symbol of love, dok sampi is a long life, dok daohuang is happiness, and so on.

At the end of the Baci ceremony, there is a small party for the guests. They will be savored some bowls of traditional local rice wine. Next, visitors can immerse themselves in the music along with the traditional Lao dance.

Symbol of Baci Ceremony

At the Baci ceremony, the white thread is considered the symbol of the Baci ceremony. Because Laotian people believe that if there is a white cord or cotton which is tied to the right hand, luck and happiness will come to them. Before tieing the thread, a hand is put in the chest as a sign of respect. White thread is also understood that peace, harmony, good luck, good health. Moreover, it will not be cut at least in 3 days.