Baci Rituals: Strings to the Past, Present + Future.
Sabaidee or “hello” in Lao.
Although I can’t physically be with my Lao family to honor the New Year on April 14, I can perform my own rituals from afar. This three-day festival has a cyclic nature and symbolizes the rebirth and purification of this time. As I’m nostalgic thinking about the celebratory gatherings with my family, I see how much those experiences are continually woven into BACII’s work.
BACII is influenced and inspired by my Lao culture and specifically by the baci ceremonies that originate in Laos. Baci translates to “blessings” and these ceremonial experiences are intended for gatherings of all kinds. The belief is that every human has 32 spirits and occasionally some of those spirits ‘wander’ from our bodies, leaving us imbalanced or not in total harmony with ourselves. In order to restore harmony with ourselves, with others, and the world, a baci ritual is performed. Traditionally the ceremony is led by a shaman, monk or the group elder, who prays and chants for our spirits to return to their rightful places. A white cotton string is then tied around the wrist of everyone taking part in the ceremony and a blessing from the heart is given to one another. This ritual symbolizes true unity, compassion, and connection between every living being and serves as an appreciation for life.
I’ve experienced baci ceremonies throughout my life, whether they’re elaborate over several days with Buddhist monks or simple rituals at my grandma’s house where money and Hennessy go hand and hand with the blessings. These ceremonies and rituals enabled me to witness and experience life lived differently from my Western environment. This contrast was most evident at funerals, where deep grief was met with deep celebration. There is so much honor and respect in rejoicing in the individual’s life, in rejoicing in being alive, and rejoicing being together with family and in community. A baci ritual reminds me of what it means to be human, to be grateful, and to remember the interconnectedness between everything on this planet, to the ancestors, and to the spirit world.
In a world full of illusions that conditions us to see “us” versus “them”, these ideals of separation serve no one. Interconnection is an ancient understanding, one that is shown in all facets of life and is visible as we continue living through this pandemic. This fated remembrance is demanded of us all as it affects the quality of our lives and the ways we die. For as long as there is inequality in life, there will be inequality in death.
As we continue navigating this polarizing time — I hope that we can break through these illusions and come together in deeper relation, while supporting and uplifting one another in this short life.
May we be protected, may we be connected, and may there be love where there is hate.
With love — Mangda
