VIENTIANE: The vibrant colors of the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, are lighting up Laos, filling the air with joy, hope, and unity as Chinese and Lao communities celebrate the festival with dragon dances, family reunions, and festive meals.
Many places are decorated with red lanterns and golden ornaments, while local markets are filled with the scent of sticky rice cakes and sweet treats.
Channapha, a shopper at a local market in Vientiane, told Xinhua that preparations are just as important as the festival itself. “We always make sure to buy the best produce, especially for the dishes that symbolize good luck. It’s not just about the food, it’s about the excitement of preparing together with our loved ones.” “Beyond food, decorations are a key part of the preparations. We decorate with red, as it symbolizes good luck, while also creating a festive atmosphere in the home,” she added.
The Chinese New Year celebration goes beyond usual festivities. It is a time for families to come together and share the joy. Khanthaphone, a Lao citizen of Chinese descent, told Xinhua, “I remember as a child, my grandmother would give me red envelopes and wish me luck. She passed away nearly five years ago, and when the celebration comes, it brings tears as I miss her deeply.”
“For me, Chinese New Year is all about family, and that’s what matters most,” he said. “My brother studies in China and comes back to Laos once a year to gather with the family for the celebration. We may not all live nearby, but we make sure to come together.” –Agencies
