Baci Ceremony - The Most Significant Animist Tradition of Laos

The people of Laos have a unique way to spiritually complement the celebration of major life events and special occasions: the Baci ceremony

A group of locals in traditional attire gathers around a bouquet-like pyramid, their hands joining in prayers while chants echo. That’s when you know you’re attending a Baci ceremony, a tradition unique to Laos. In a country where Buddhism prevails, the ongoing significance of the Baci ceremony reflects the deeply rooted animist beliefs in the spiritual life of the Lao people. Scroll down to uncover the meaning behind this centuries-old tradition and more!

What is the Baci Ceremony?

Animism places the belief in spirits at its core. Commonly known as 'Sou Khuan' in the informal context, with 'Khuan' meaning spirit in Lao, the Baci ceremony aims to enhance or call upon the spirits of the person it is intended for. It can be held at households or Buddhist temples, but its origins trace back to before Buddhism made its way to Laos. 

If it’s not counter-intuitive to assume each human being has a spirit, then for the Lao, we are constituted from 32 spirits, protecting different parts of the body. But just like our playful nature, they tend to wander outside the body, leading to inner imbalance and the entering of evil spirits. As a consequence, we might get a mental or physical illness. Here, the Baci ceremony enters the scene, reinviting the good spirits and bringing harmony back to our body and soul. 

How is the Baci ceremony done?

Before the ceremony

An elaborate offering to the spirits is central to the Baci ceremony. Marigolds, banana leaves, candles, and orange and white knotted threads or bands under the artful hands of elderly women in the community will become Pha Khuan, the offering pyramid you’ve seen above. 

While the Baci ceremony primarily focuses on individuals, it also holds a community-oriented aspect where family and friends come together to assist in the spirit-calling process, strengthening family and social bonds accordingly. And it’s believed that achieving balance and harmony for individuals extends to the community's well-being as a whole. 

Placed on a white cloth at the center of the room, the Pha Khuan invites everyone to gather around it. Closest to the centerpiece are the recipient and Mor Phon - the wisher or master of ceremonies, facing each other, with participants following behind. The Mor Phon is typically a well-respected elderly man in the community who has been a Buddhist monk. 

During the ceremony 

Candles light, and threads tie. Here we have the most special element of the Baci ceremony, the white threads that connect people to the Pha Khuan. Made of silk or cotton with the color of purity, they symbolize some of the most cherished human values such as peace, harmony, good fortune, and good health. They are employed to unite the 32 spirits together. 

The Mor Phon will have a white thread tied around his wrist, while others will hold them between their palms, with hands placed chest high to show respect. As soon as the Mor Phon begins chanting, everyone is obliged to be quiet. In the religious Pali language, he chants, sometimes using verses from Lao poetry and proverbs. 

The chanting at some point is blended with the unison of “Ma Der Khuan Euy”, meaning “please come spirits”, from the attendants. It’s now that the ceremony is reaching its climax, and simultaneously a small ‘rain of rice’ is initiated and falls on everyone’s head, representing the spirits and good luck prayed for have arrived. 

The Baci ceremony wraps up with everyone, led by the Mor Phon, tying the white threads around the wrists of the blessing recipient as well as other attendants. In the end, everyone will receive the threads and good wishes from each other. A ceremony lasts between 30 minutes to one hour. 

After the ceremony 

Now that everyone is blessed, it’s time for a feast. Sometimes, the food and drink are accompanied by the Lao Circle Dance, with a live band playing. As for the white threads around one’s wrists, you’ll be told to keep them in place for at least three days for the wishes to be able to come true. And they should be removed by untying instead of cutting to avoid negating the wishes. The offering pyramid, Pha Khuan will also be kept for at least three days for the same reason. 

When does the Baci Ceremony take place?

With major life events and special occasions comes the Baci ceremony. They can be weddings, Lao New Year, housewarmings, homecomings, guest welcomings, or giving birth. The symbolic meaning of the ceremony varies depending on the event or occasion during which it takes place. For a wedding, it’s to wish the couple a happy and life-long marriage, while for giving birth, is to welcome the baby and to call back the mother’s spirits that might be wandering through childbearing. 

On the other hand, it’s as meaningful for sad times as it is for happy ones. When someone gets sick physically or mentally or injured after an accident, a Baci is given with the belief of contributing to the recovery. It also follows a passing to uplift the deceased’s spirits upon entering the other world and to provide solace to other family members.

The exact day of a Baci ceremony is determined based on the lunar calendar with consultation from elders, senior monks, or ex-monks. It’s not confined to any specific day of the week but must be a good day. 

Tips for attending a Baci ceremony

If you happen to be invited to a Baci ceremony while in Laos, which is quite likely during Lao New Year, here are some tips to ensure adherence to the tradition and a smooth experience throughout: 

• Wear appropriately:

Local people tend to wear traditional attire when participating in the ceremony. However, for visitors, all you need are long pants or skirts that are not too tight and shirts that cover your shoulders to be respectful.

• Bring an offering:

It’s part of the custom for guests to bring with them an offering to show respect and gratitude towards the hosts. You’ll find it related to the ingredients used to make the Pha Khuan, including fresh flowers, candles, incense, or traditional Lao alcohol. Alternatively, you can offer a small amount of money. 

• Learn a few Lao phrases: 

Learning a few basic Lao phrases can be particularly helpful when everyone gives each other blessings at the end of the ceremony. Some for you to start with are “Seng khan” (Good luck), ‘Sok di” (Good health), “Khop jai” (Thank you), and “Ngeun ngeun” (Thank you very much). 

Experience firsthand the Baci ceremony 

A key distinguisher of Lao cultural identity, the Baci ceremony, beyond its symbolic meaning, is an occasion full of festiveness and colors. When you design your Laos trip with Exotic Voyages, we’ll help you host your very own unforgettable Baci ceremony. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more details!