Culture:

When speaking of Lao culture, there is a tendency to mention only the culture of the Laotians of the plains (mainly the western part of Laos) whereas these people make up less than half the overall population. The cultural and religious practices of the minorities can vary considerably, according to the ethnic family or the degree of cultural development. Here we are going to talk about cultural features of the Lao Loum (Laotians of the plains).

Religion:

Today around 65% of the Laotian population practise Theravada Buddhism, also known as the Little Vehicle Buddhism. This religion was developed in Laos between the 14th and 17th centuries as it gradually took over over animism and Brahmanism. As in neighbouring Thailand and Cambodia, religion has a strong influence on culture and daily life. The monasteries (Wat), which form the centre of collective life, have a social function in addition to their religious role by providing education to children from poor families.

Ancient beliefs, in particular the cult of the phi people, exist side by side with Buddhism without any problem. Many feasts or ceremonies practised by Buddhists are ancient animist practices.

Most isolated ethnic minorities have preserved their animist religions. Some groups, in the process of cultural development, abide by the main buddhist religion.

Language:

The official language of the Lao PDR is Lao as is spoken in Vientiane, a language that is very close to the Thai language. This is a tonal language (6 different tones). Besides the official language, which has become the common linguistic vehicle between all the ethnic groups, there are also many other languages or dialects which are still spoken by the minorities and in particular by Sino-Tibetan families.

Arts and culture:

Various disasters (wars, fires, bad weather….) have left very little monuments to posterity.

The temples were and still are the centre of collective life. They are of course the elements that are most representative of Laotian art. There are three main styles of temples: Vientiane, Louang Prabang and Xiankhoang.

Sculptures, inspired by religion, also bear witness to traditional art as is notably expressed in the porches of the sim people or in the golden reliefs. The tradition of weaving silk or cotton is still very much alive in the villages. Folkloric music, songs and dances are practised during the numerous feasts that mark the seasons. Music is practised on traditional instruments such as the khêne, the khong seng or the khong vong. As for songs, these are often in improvised dialects and express joy, sadness or simply facets of everyday life.