[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              LAO NEW YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JUDY CHU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2023

  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Lao New Year, which 
will be celebrated between April 14, 2023, and April 16, 2023. Lao New 
Year is considered the national holiday of the country of Laos. 
Nationwide, Lao Americans organize festivals to bring their communities 
together in celebration of Lao New Year through the month of April and 
even early May.
  Lao New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years and is 
historically rooted in, and unique to, Lao legends and traditions. 
During each of the three days that Lao New Year is observed, Lao people 
participate in various practices and ceremonies. The first two days of 
Lao New Year are dedicated to home and family. Day one tasks involve 
cleaning and organizing one's home. On day two, families will gather 
for a traditional ``baci'' ceremony, during which people wish one 
another peace, prosperity, and happiness while tying white threads 
around each other's wrists. Food and other goods are prepared on day 
three to take to the local temple as offerings to the monks.
  The final day of Lao New Year is typically celebrated at the temple, 
where activities include classical dance performances, beauty pageants 
reflecting the legend of an ancient king and his seven daughters, food 
vending, as well as Lao goods and merchandise. The atmosphere at the 
temple celebrations is that of an overall uplifting of Lao Americans 
connecting to their culture and heritage.
  Lao New Year unites Lao people through a rich history of traditions 
and celebrations that evoke shared feelings of release, renewal, and 
resolutions for the coming year. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
commemorating this global celebration.

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