Custom & Culture

Wat Buddhalavarn has grown significantly over the past five decades. Starting in Cabramatta as a rented house, the community soon purchased their own property through donations.
In the late 1990s, the temple moved to Wedderburn, acquiring over 50 acres with two houses and a large shed. One house is now for monks, the other for guest monks, and the shed serves as a temporary Patthasima.
Since 2000, major improvements have occurred. The shed transformed into a beautiful temporary hall, now the temple’s central hub. Construction of a new, permanent Patthasima began with a foundation stone laid by then-Governor Gordon Samuels already completed. The temple’s front now boasts a new brick wall, enhancing its appearance.
Ongoing support through donations is crucial for Wat Buddhalavarn’s continued development and its role as a vital spiritual center.

Lao Lumvong – A Symbol of Lao Culture and Unity

Lao Lumvong is a traditional circle dance central to Lao culture, performed during festivals, weddings, and community events. Dancers move gracefully in a circle to traditional music, often accompanied by instruments like the *khene* (bamboo mouth organ). The dance symbolizes unity, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life, reflecting Lao values of community and spirituality.

Rooted in ancient traditions, Lumvong preserves Lao heritage and fosters social cohesion. It is performed by people of all ages during celebrations like Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) and the Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai). Inscribed in 2024 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Lumvong remains a cherished part of Lao identity, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural legacy and bringing people together in celebration.

The Laotian diaspora faces a growing challenge in preserving its cultural heritage as older generations pass away and younger ones become increasingly assimilated into their host countries. Traditional ceremonies, such as weddings, housewarming rituals, and newborn blessings, are at risk of being lost due to the lack of skilled **masters of ceremonies (MCs)**—key figures who ensure the authenticity and structure of these events. Without MCs, many families opt for simpler, Western-style celebrations, leading to a decline in cultural practices. Additionally, traditional folk arts like **Lam Vong** (circle dancing) and **Mor Lam** (folk music) are now rarely seen outside of temple festivals or weddings, as younger generations show less interest in these less popular art forms. Efforts to preserve Laotian culture include community workshops, intergenerational learning, and the use of digital platforms to share traditions. However, sustaining this heritage requires training new MCs, promoting cultural education, and revitalizing folk arts to engage younger generations and ensure that Laotian traditions remain a vibrant part of the diaspora’s identity.

You are invited to Lao ultimate party known as Pimay Laos – Lao New Year.  This three days event fall on the 13th, 14th and 15th of April of every calendar year.  So what do we at New Year’s Day? Traditionally this is the time for spring cleansing.  We cleanse house, clothes, bed, and everything else.  Holy water is used to rinse bad spirit from body, mind and soul. Get rid off those bad omen and…

It is not easy to explain why some countries in Southeast Asia, such as Burma, Combodia, Laos and Thailand, and even Sri Lanka, have chosen April the 13th as the beginning of their new year. It is not easy to explain why some countries in Southeast Asia, such as Burma, Combodia, Laos and Thailand, and even Sri Lanka, have chosen April the 13th as the beginning of their new year. However, according to nature, April…

By Dr Thongrith Phoumirath The ritual known to the Lao as the Phithi Souane or Phithi Baci is a ritual to call back, welcome, propitiate and unite the khouane with the physical body.  It is the ubiquitous of all Lao functions and celebrations, and integral part if Lao family life. It can be held for a farewell, welcome, birth of a baby, birthdays, house warming, job promotions, harvest, new car, marriage and a New Year…