The Lao Traditions of Rice Cultivation

The Lao Traditions of Rice Cultivation Performed by: The Performing Troupe of the Children’s Cultural Centre , Vientiane Province, Lao PDR Background Vientiane Province is located in the mid-northwest of Lao PDR, about 110 km north of Vientiane Capital City. Its administration centre is Muang Phon-Hong. The province is well known for its topography being a large flat plain and is one of the six major rice-producing plains of the country. Nam Ngum Valley has an abundance of fertile alluvial soil and is one of the cradles of ancient Lao culture. There are diverse ethnic groups living in this area, which adds richness to the traditions relating to rice culture. The Tai Phuan represent the majority of the provincial population. Since 29 March 2003, a cultural unit called the Children’s Cultural Centre was created under Vientiane’s Provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism. Its mission is to provide teaching on traditional dance, music, storytelling, social etiquette and various activities for the development of high school children. Synopsis The performance reflects the cycle of rice cultivation traditions among Lao farmers. It begins with a ceremony requesting rain from Phaya Thaen, the King of the Sky. Then, in the early morning, farmers sow the rice seeds in the nursery terrain and transplant the seedlings in the wet paddy field. After a period of three to four months, the field turns from green to gold, which means that the rice is ready for harvesting. The harvesting season marks the happiest moment of the year, when farmers celebrate the bountiful harvest and productivity of rice cultivation by performing the Lam Vong Lao dance. Credits: Troupe Coordinator / Leader ▪ Ms Othong Minakhom Dancers ▪ Ms Outhoum Inthalath ▪ Ms Nampheung Sihalad ▪ Ms Lathdavanh Pathammavong ▪ Ms Souvananh Intalathvongseng ▪ Ms Dokhak Douangsomphong ▪ Mr Sonethavy Souliveth ▪ Mr Viengsack Sydavong ▪ Mr Vanthipphakone Latdasone ▪ Mr Lemone Souvannavong ▪ Mr Bith Inthachon ▪ Mr Sengdao Phalakone *This performance was showcased on Day 2 of SEAMEO SPAFA's 'Spiritual Dimensions of Rice Culture in Southeast Asia - Performances and Seminar' held from 11-14 May 2015 at Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand. http://www.seameo-spafa.org/spiritual-dimensions-of-rice-culture-in-southeast-asia/

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