Every year, The New Year in Laos or “Bunpimay” takes place from April 13 to April 16 of the solar calendar. On this occasion, the first guest who is knotted a green cotton thread or red wrist by the master of the house to ask for luck, health and peace for the whole year.
The Buddhist New Year festival in Laos, coinciding with the feast the renewal of nature and the appearance of the first rains. At the beginning of the feast, everyone sprinkles statues of Buddhas with lustral water, then sprinkle water with the monks and elders; in the streets, passers-by launch each other into loud bursts of laughter.
Laotians will release animals in capture such as turtle, fish, crab, bird, swamp eel, … because they believe that all animals are so happy in freedom. On New Year’s Day, the monk who manages the pagoda, bonzes, bonzesses and locals welcome beautiful flowers to dedicate the Buddha.
In fact, in their meals, the inhabitants of the country of a million of elephants will eat “Laap” dish (or lab or larb). “Lap” means prosperity and wealth in Lao. It is one of the most famous and appreciated dishes of Laos cuisine. This is a kind of meat salad with lots of fresh grass and a Lao fish sauce called Padek. This salad can be made with fish, beef or chicken and then eat with hot glutinous rice. The special taste of this dish is decided by the grilled rice powder sprinkled. The better the food, the more chance you will have all year round. According to specialists in culture, this dish is considered the spirit of the Laotians in New Year and it will be offered to each other on the occasion of the Bunpimay festival.
During New Year’s Day, the master of the house will tie a red or green “lucky charm” cotton thread to the wrist of the guest. So that wishes can be realized it should always keep the wire on the handle at least 3 days.
In addition, Laotians never wish for themselves, they will wish for their families, their friends and their colleagues, … because they believe that “When you wish good luck to others, you will receive it”.
As in other countries in Asia, New Year’s Day is an opportunity for the whole family to meet, see each other, and chat cheerfully. Everyone sings, dances, has fun, and sends better wishes. Each country, each person presents itself with special cultures and customs, but in fact it also has one thing in common: the true, the good, the beautiful – a symbol of Oriental beauty.