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Polaroid of the week: Young girl, Hmong New Year’s Celebrations in Phonsavan, Laos

Polaroid of the week: Young girl, Hmong New Year’s Celebrations in Phonsavan, Laos

Last Updated on April 22, 2021

 

polaroid of the week laos phonsavan hmong girl with umbrella

Sometimes, when you travel, you go on gut instinct alone. We had heard of the Xieng Khouang province of Laos around the city of Phonsavan, booked a ticket and endured the ten hour bus ride only to bounce into town just in time for the Hmong New Year’s celebrations.  The Hmong people, an ethnic group that originated from South Eastern China, were forced to settle in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam as a result of several wars throughout the years.  Now the Xieng Khouang province is home to one of the biggest groups of Hmong people, who, during the New Year’s celebrations (after the harvest in late November/early December), dress in their traditional costumes, dance and eat great food – for up to 40 days in most regions!

The most interesting aspect of the celebrations is the pov pob, the Hmong game of love. Unmarried boys and girls, men and women line up facing each other and toss a tennis ball back and forth – hoping that the girl or boy they like throws the ball back. If the ball drops, that means there’s no interest.  Both the girls and boys dress up in intricate costumes  which represent their clan – and they must find someone from outside of their clan to marry.

We were invited to take part – several times – but politely declined in favor of observing this adorably innocent ritual of teen flirtation. During the Pov Pob, the teens took the time to stop sending text messages and playing music from their phone’s speakers. In one sense teens are the same all around the world nowadays, so it was particularly interesting to witness the willing practice of their traditional culture as well.

Dina

Thursday 24th of May 2012

I wish I were there.......

Dani

Friday 25th of May 2012

Dina, if you ever get the chance to go to the Hmong New Year, you should! It was such a fascinating experience.

Candy

Saturday 17th of December 2011

The colors and the smile....beautiful!

Dani

Saturday 17th of December 2011

Thanks Candy :) The girls were all so friendly and happy!

Simon Pedersen

Thursday 15th of December 2011

She has a beautiful and happy smile...