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
- The person receiving a blessing should have their hand palm face towards the giver and their opposite hand to chest at prayer position.
- 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.
- 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)
Final Thoughts
Mad khaen is more than a string around your wrist. It’s a way we wish good fortune on the people we love, passed from hand to hand at weddings, celebrations, and Baci ceremonies. And if you didn’t grow up fully immersed in these traditions, it can feel like there’s a gap between you and your family in the moments when everyone gathers, when you’re unsure where to put your hands, what to say, or what the blessing even means.
That gap is exactly why we created the Lao English School Community. It’s a space for Lao Americans and anyone who loves Lao culture to learn together, share stories, and connect with the language and traditions at their own pace.