Weddings

Lao wedding season is here! These are proving to be QUITE the social events and SO fun to partake in. People typically only get married in the cool season, partly based on the Buddhist calendar and partly because it doesn't rain and the weather is nice for big parties outside. So far I've been to three such events, but my host brother will get married in a couple of weeks, and then an MCC worker will get married in January, so the fun will continue! Each wedding ceremony is different, and this past weekend I had the opportunity to go to a wedding in a village outside of Vientiane with my Lao cousin. The day started off with a big parade from the groom's house to the bride's. We were all marching and singing, and someone was banging on a drum. The groom is under the umbrella in the shiny gold pants.

About half way there, following tradition, we were met by members of the bride's family who tried to block our path, and wouldn't let us through until we bought them some treats from a roadside stand. The old women especially were getting SO into it. They even found some bamboo and started whacking people back with it! We were then again blocked to get into the house, and they had to push their way through to get the groom in.


Next was the baci ceremony which is a big part of the wedding process. Lao people have baci's for many reasons...new babies, welcoming, celebrating a guest of honor, etc. Someone officiates and basically wishes them a good life with many children and much happiness. Then everyone gets a chance to tie strings on their wrists with money and good wishes. It all happens around the little statues made out of banana leaves and marigolds with candles and other fruit (behind us in the picture).

After the baci comes the party. Lots of food and dancing. This is me "fawn" -ing, which is Lao traditional dance. Basically this is about as "action shot" as it gets. You just kind of stand there and bop to the beat a little bit and twist your hands. The trick is not to look too interested or look at your partner the whole time. Lao people could fawn all night long. And we did, this wedding event lasted over 12 hours.....

Culinary Treats Continued...

This woman is cooking an assortment of fish innards...mostly their stomachs and eggs, wrapped up in banana leaves over the fire. To the left of her is a big pot used for cooking broth for noodle soup. Eating is a communal activity here, so they always cook enough for the whole neighborhood.

These guys are making "goi baa" which is raw fish cut up and mixed with lemon to kill anything weird and make it edible. It is then served with mint and scooped up with sticky rice. This is a typical Lao cooking space although this family has a kitchen inside as well mostly used for storing dishes and bags of rice. The cooking fire is to the right, and you can see a big bucket used for washing behind the old guy's yellow hat.

This lovely dish is fresh duck's blood. They pour it onto the plate and then wait several minutes for it to congeal. Then fresh mint is added with some pepper and chives. Not bad!