String tying - ມັດແຂນ mad khaen

This is called ມັດແຂນ mad khaen that are blessings given to one another during special occasions or Baci rituals.

• To tie, to attach - ມັດ mad
• Arms - ແຂນ khaen

This is not recognized as a Lao thing but an overall Buddhist custom. These bracelets come in various colors and are often blessed by monks or given from one person to another depending on the situation.

Individuals tie these strings on another a way to bring good fortune for the person receiving the ມັດແຂນ mad khaen.

Many individuals may follow the norm for women to be tied to the strings on their right wrist and men on their left. But there's not much discrimination if ມັດແຂນ mad khaen is tied on the opposing wrist regardless of gender.

Lastly, the more ມັດແຂນ mad khaen tied on one's wrists is equivalent to the more blessings they shall receive!

A few things to note during the process

1. The person receiving a blessing should have their hand palm face towards the giver and their opposite hand to chest at prayer position.
2. Other individuals in observance of ມັດແຂນ mad khaen should raise their palm at the elbows of the individual being blessed so that their good fortunes will come true.
3. At the end of the ມັດແຂນ mad khaen blessing, individuals say ສາທຸ saathoo whilst your hands in prayer position (similar to how we say thank you) which is our alternative way of saying Amen in Lao.

Click here to see a demonstration (start at 2:22)

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