Lao New Year

Floor Speech

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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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