Laos - traditions and customs

The unexplored, amazing, exotic Laos has only recently been completely closed from tourists. Therefore, the interest of tourists from different parts of the world after the opening of access is quite understandable - anyone can now touch the culture of Laos, its traditions and customs.

What do you need to know about the locals?

The characteristics of the population include the following:

1. Laotians are friendly people, not inclined to aggression, tolerant, with a fine sense of humor. If you turned to the local resident with a smile, then be sure that you will be happy to come to the rescue.
2. The family plays an important role in the life of every Lao. The head is considered to be a man, but there is no talk of any infringement of women here. Lao people respect their parents, respect them, listen to advice. The latter do not aspire to subordinate children to their will, leaving behind them the freedom of choice. One of the traditions of Laos is the education of children through close communication with all the numerous relatives.
3. Another interesting feature of Laos is the ceremony of marriage and the first years of life of the young. By custom, the groom's parents present a valuable gift or money to the bride's parents. After the wedding, the newlyweds remain to live with the parents of the bride, and after 3-5 years they get the right to separate living. After moving the young family tries to choose housing closer to her husband's parents.
4. Religion. Most of the population of the country professes Buddhism. It is curious that every man should devote a certain period of his life (about 3 months) to serving in a monastery.
5. For a long time, the Lao people did not have names, and the names of the children were given by elders or astrologers. Surnames began to be used in the country only since 1943, but so far only the name is treated as usual. The name in Laos is inherited through the line of a man, a woman can take her husband's name and surname, but the children receive a surname only from their father.

Prohibited Actions

With the basic traditions and customs of Laos we met. Now let's figure out what not to do in this country, so as not to incur anger or punishment:

1. Any Buddha image is considered sacred. It does not matter what state the statue or figure is in - you should not climb them to make a photo for memory. According to the customs of Laos, such actions are considered sacrilege and for them it is necessary to answer according to the law.
2. You can not touch the head of a local resident. Here it is considered a terrible insult. If you suddenly want to pat on the head of a local child, then we advise this restraint to restrain so as not to offend the parents of the baby.
3. A woman in a temple has no right to appeal to monks. They, in turn, do not take anything from women's hands. If there is a need to transfer an item, then all actions are carried out through men. By the way, public demonstration of relations between lovers is not encouraged. Laos are modest and restrained in their feelings.
4. If you happen to visit a local resident, then do not give up the proposed treats. Even if now you do not feel like eating or drinking, refusing will be impolite, but try a dish will be quite enough.
5. In no event can you photograph the local residents without their permission. But usually the Lao people gladly allowed to make a joint photo after a short conversation. The main thing is to voice your request as politely as possible, with a smile.
6. If you carefully read all the points in this review, then you have a certain idea of ​​the traditions and customs of Laos. Knowing and following them, traveling around the country will be easy and pleasant, and avoiding difficulties will not be difficult.