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Photographer’s Note

The Baci ceremony is a ritual used to well-wish for many events: marriage, birth, travel, etc... A number of people sit around the Phakhouan (the spirit tray), which is decorated with flowers, folded bananas leaves and branches with white cotton strings hanging down; bananas, broiled eggs, pastries, liquors and money are placed surrounding the base of the PhaKhouan as offering to the spirits in attendance. The ceremony will not happen if there is no MorPhorn (Wish priest). Usually an elder who spent some times as a Monk - presides over the ritual. He lights the candals which have been placed on top of Phakhouan. He then gives prayers while all attendance hold their hands in a prayer-like, palm-together pose. If there are too many participants for everyone to reach the base of the PhaKwan, it's permissible to touch the elbow of some who can reach it, thus forming a human chain. Later everyone takes a white string and ties around each wrist of the honored guests while wishpering a short, well-wishing recitation. Foods and drinks are served after the ceremony and following with a party.

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Additional Photos by Thien Tran (thien) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 484 W: 152 N: 210] (2102)
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