|
 Lao people are frank, open and friendly,
and they possess a strongly developed
sense of courtesy and respect. Everyone
who adheres to the latter will receive a
warm welcome.
The generally accepted
form of greeting among Lao people is the
nop. It is performed by placing one's
palm together in a position of praying
at chest level, but not touching the
body. The higher the hands, the greater
the sign of respect. Nonetheless, the
hands should not be held above the level
of nose. The nop is accompanied by a
slight bow to show respect to persons of
higher status and age. It is also used
as an expression of thanks, regret or
saying good-bye. But with western people
it is acceptable to shake hands.
When entering a vat or a private home
it is customary to remove one's shoes.
In Lao homes raised off the ground, the
shoes are left at the stairs. In
traditional homes one sits on low seats
or cushions on the floor. Men usually
sit with their legs crossed or folded to
one side, women prefer solely the
latter. Upon entering guests may be
served fruit or tea. These gestures of
hospitality should not be refused.
Since the head is considered the most
sacred part of the body and the soles of
the feet the least, one should not touch
a person's head nor use one's foot to
point at a person or any object.
Moreover men and women rarely show
affection in public. It is also
forbidden for a woman to touch a
Buddhist monk. |
