 Lao culture doesn't acknowledge birthdays as a ceremony, so should we be celebrating? A resident in Vientiane, said: "Our country doesn't respect birthday celebrations. I believe the meaning of birthday is the day that our mother went through excruciating pain to give birth to us. We should let them be happy by buying something for them on our birthday. We certainly should not force them to organise parties for us. It might hurt them more." Mr Phonesavanh Duang-Aphai, 30, a resident of Lingxan village, Vientiane province, said: "For people who have money, they don't care about using money luxuriously for party organising. If something makes their children happy, they'll do it. It's easy to notice, the people in town organise birthday parties for their children but in the countryside, they don't organise them because it depends on the conditions of their family. For me, I've never organised a birthday party for my children." Ms Paphatsone Insyxiengmai, 18, a resident of Dongnaxok village, said: "I haven't organised a birthday party since I was young. Parties make me happy, I feel great organising a good old bash despite the fact that it's not Lao culture. I always organise parties in my house, but sometimes in a Sindard shop. Organising birthday parties are good for bonding with mates. We don't meet up with each other very often. Birthday parties are a good chance for me and my friends to meet up and chat. Not just my friends though - my sister and brothers join me too. My parents don't stop me organising parties but they advise me about the traditions like giving arm to the monks to make merit and make me happy on my birthday." Ms Phonevanh, 38, a resident of Khamsavath, said: "I don't think it is suitable to organise birthday parties in our country, because it is not our ceremony. The old people never led us to behave like that, it is not proper. When children see other countries doing it, they like to follow them. For me I never encouraged my children to organise birthday parties because of Lao culture, no such ceremony exists. Sometimes my children ask me to organise parties for them, because they see their friends having birthday parties. My children will just misunderstand. I've tried to explain to them that it is not a traditional ceremony and we should not do it. It is using money frivilously, throwing it away. When children party and drink so much, it is dangerous for them. If my children want something special for the day I will buy it for them because I want them to be happy. But not parties - I don't want to encourage bad behaviour in my children." Mr Silixay Sengkeoluangkot, 16, a student of Vientiane upper secondary school, said: "Birthday parties are a time to enjoy yourself with family and friends. For me it is not only having meals or drinking, but I have some games to make the day more enjoyable. I think that it is quite dangerous to throw a party at a discotheque like some people do; when they get drunk they might have an accident. So, it might not be just a birthday ceremony, but a funeral as well." Mr Souvanna Moundala, 17, a resident of Khounta village, said: "I'd organise a birthday party depending on my cash situation, if I have a lot of money I will go ahead and organise a big party. I usually organise one at a discotheque because it is pure freedom, I don't have parents to control me. If I organise a party at house my parents don't let me drink beer or play songs loudly. At a discotheque, I have a lot of friends, my friends and I can do anything we want. I want to enjoy my special day. I don't care about paying a lot of money and receiving gifts from friends. If I enjoy it, then that it is enough for me." Mr Sonexai Phedchamphone, 21, a resident of Thongpong village, said: "I see many teenagers organising birthday parties, and it is popular for teenagers because I used to go to my friends' birthday parties. But I never organise my own party. I used to ask the monks whether a birthday party was our ceremony or not and the monk said that Buddhists don't respect the ceremony. But many teenagers follow this ceremony because it is traditional in Europe where we seem to get the influence. Birthday parties are happy occasions to enjoy with friends, but they cost a lot, and usually the bill is paid for by the parents. Some children force parents to organise them a party even though their parents don't have much money." |
This website is in no way affiliated with Google or any part of Google, Inc. All images and page design are Copyright © 2008 GoogleLaos.com All Rights Reserved. |