A little history on Lao New Year from TripSavvy.com website: The Three Days of the Laos New Year
New Year in Laos activities center around acts of good deeds, water, sand, animals, and flowers that play a big part in the festivities. Each day of the holiday has a different significance and comes with different traditions.
- Sangkhan Luang: The first day of Bun Pi Mai, is considered the last day of the old year. On this day, people clean their houses and villages and prepare water, perfume, and flowers for the days ahead.
- Sangkhan Nao: Known as the "day of no day," the second day is neither part of the old year nor of the coming year. It is a time for rest and fun, entailing activities such as visiting family and friends or taking a day trip.
- Sangkhan Kheun Pi Mai:The third dayis the official start of the Lao New Year. Locals dress in their finest silk clothes and make offerings at the temple. Also, youth visit their parents, grandparents, and elders and rinse the elders’ hands with the water. This is the time to ask for their blessings and forgiveness for any wrong behaviors in the past year. At family gatherings later in the day, community members hold spirit-enhancing baci ceremonies for luck and prosperity.
