“Huenpha” Belief of Lao People

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to study "Huan Pha," a belief held by the Lao people. It has been observed that a ritual involving the construction of a house for the deceased, their descendants, and their relatives takes place at the cemetery. The belief is that this house will provide a residence for the departed soul, preventing it from wandering. Additionally, it is customary to prepare food, objects, and utensils for the deceased or ghost, to be used before their rebirth in the new world. Despite the prevalent respect for Buddhism, many people continue to uphold their old traditions by constructing a boat house or a ghost house in the designated area, which is later burned or buried.

Over time, the influence of Buddhism led to a combination of building practices, such as constructing a small house and offering it to a temple or monks as a means of making merit and dedicating it to the deceased. It is believed that through this act, the departed will receive merit and not suffer from hunger. Huean Pha resembles a wooden house adorned or covered with fabric. It contains various utensils for the deceased's everyday use in the afterlife. The Huean Pha Festival serves as a tradition to express love and gratitude towards ancestors. Consequently, organizing this event brings relatives together, fostering love and unity among family members. It aims to strengthen the community by preserving its culture, traditions, and beliefs surrounding Huan Pha.