OF SOUKHUAN AND LAOS Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern Faculty ...

The Mor Phon gave moral instruction to the new couple on how they should behave in
front of each other’s in-laws and relatives. They were repeatedly told to be truthful
and loving to each other. For instance, the bride was told not to look at another man
and to forget about her ex-lover and also to be respectful to her parents-in-law. The
groom is asked to behave politely as well. For example, when he chases the chicken
he should be polite. He should say “So!” instead of the normally used “Shh!” or when
he chases the buffalo he should not use the harsh “Hooi!” but use the polite “Say!”
Anyone can bind the khuan of the newly wedded. There are proper procedures in
doing so. The right wrist is tied first, and before tying, the tip of the fai mon kong is
stroked onto the wrist three times as words of wishes are uttered. The tying of the right
wrist symbolizes the entry of khuan while the tying of the left symbolizes the staying
of the khuan. It has become a modern trend to insert money between the fai mon kon
and the wrist as a token of gift to the newly weds. However, children or teenagers are
not allowed to perform the mat ken. The binding of the cotton thread to the wrists of
the new couple is believed to bring good luck to the celebrants.
Expressions or wishes most commonly used are;
1) Hai kuat ni dii kuat khao
- May all bad things be swept out and all goodness be swept in
2) Pen phua diaw mia diaw
- Be only a husband and a wife.
3) Kwam cep ya dai kawm kai ya mi
- Have no pain and no illness.
4) Hai su kai sabai chai
- Be happy mentally and physically.
5) Non lap hai dai ngoen men, Non tern hai dai ngoen sen
- Dream of 10,000 kip and when awake own 100,000 kip.
6) Hai jau lam luay pen set thi ngoen lai
- Be prosperous and a millionaire .
7) Hai jau hak ho hom tum luk mia
- Be warm hearted and loving to your family.
8) Pen thi peng khong kop kua
- Be responsive to your family’s need.
Conclusion
The ceremonies described in this paper illustrates the importance of khuan related
practices amongst the Lao communities. There are many facets of khuan ceremonies.
Some are performed purely for religious purposes while some are performed during
auspicious occasions, such as wedding ceremonies. Soukhuan is also performed during
a healing ceremony-one of life and death. This shows its importance in the lives of the
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