There seems to be only one religion in Laos and it’s so entwined with the culture that one could argue that its name is Lao Culture. Religion seems to be consistent across the people of Laos (except for rural minorities that follow their own forms of Animism), and if a person chooses not to partake in a respectful way, no one minds.
Religious practices come from three main sources: Animism, Brahmanism, and Theravada Buddhism. Animism shows in the form of ancestor worship and belief in spirits. Brahman influence seems to show in ceremony and ritual. Buddhism is probably the most obvious – extravagant Buddhist temples are sprinkled amongst the neighborhoods like churches would be in the Minneapolis suburbs.
Religious practices come from three main sources: Animism, Brahmanism, and Theravada Buddhism. Animism shows in the form of ancestor worship and belief in spirits. Brahman influence seems to show in ceremony and ritual. Buddhism is probably the most obvious – extravagant Buddhist temples are sprinkled amongst the neighborhoods like churches would be in the Minneapolis suburbs.
You can see monks of all ages sporting their neon orange smocks on the bus, in the market, and just about everywhere. Every Lao male is required to become a monk for at least three months before he is married. Sometimes you’ll see little boys in orange, but with such young ones their education is considered more of a summer school. Boys are encouraged to become a monk sometime after high school. Even still the position of a monk demands outmost respect and you must regard them higher than you would an elder, even if they are nine years old. Women can become “monks”, but they are rare and do not share the same position in society. Women can only reach enlightment after they are reborn as men.