Bacci

It is said that you will not be in Laos long before you experience your first bacci and that you will be part of many more during your stay. It held true for us! In our very first week in Vientiane we joined MCC in a farewell bacci for one of the staff returning to the USA. Then three weeks ago we experienced another– a welcome bacci for us and all the new MCC staff (in all there are 5 new service workers and 2 new SALTers)!

A bacci ceremony (pronounced ‘ba-see’) is the traditional way in which Lao people celebrate milestones in life as well as welcome and say farewell to people close to them. During the ceremony people gather together, sitting cross-legged on the floor, as a leader speaks blessings over the special person or persons. Gifts of sticky rice, eggs and sweet treats are presented and dry rice is thrown. My favorite part of the ceremony is at the end, when all everyone gathers together to tie strings on each other’s wrists. While you are tying the string, you take time to speak blessings and good wishes on the person.

While this ceremony has its roots in Buddhism, many non-practicing Buddhists, MCC, and other Christians view this tradition as an important way to connect with the Lao culture and simply a time dedicated to bless the people close to them. As Christians we engaged in this cultural practice by offering simple prayers for each other and asking the Lord to pour out His blessings.

We enjoyed taking part in this tradition and were thrilled that Kristina and Brennan were able to join us for our welcome bacci. They visited us shortly on the last leg of their ‘world adventure.’

Posted By Kaarina