Lao music and literature through the ages

[Rik Ponne]

Lao music and literature through the ages

To salute the upcoming 450 year anniversary of the transfer of the Lao capital from Luang Prabang

to Vientiane, Vientiane Times is publishing a series of stories related to the history of Laos

 

Himmakone Manodham

 

Literature and musical instruments are important in distinguishing the culture and customs of a nation. The Lao language has been in use since 600 BC, showing the deep rooted history of the country’s culture.

Poetry, poems, proverbs and tales are sometimes written in a Lao dialect of Pali or Sanskrit and found in palm manuscripts in temples.

Sometimes, you may hear boys and girls flirting with one another at traditional festivals by reciting these poems.

In every era, various poems and stories were composed.

In the era of Pha-nha Lasaen Tayphouvanath, many religious stories were written including Mahaxad and Pavet Sandone.

In the time of King Visounnalath, around 1500, the history of Khounboulom and the teachings of Phanha Fangum were written by Pha Maha Thebluang at Vat Visoun. The tale of Nang Tantay was written by Maha Rasakhou at Vat Visoun, whereas Thao Houng and Thao Cheuang were written much earlier, in 1070.

In the era of Pha Phothisalath and Pha Xaysetthathirath (1520-1570), the nation’s economy was strong and the population was happy because these kings governed the country morally and did everything they could for the nation and the people.

Pha Alyavongsa composed the history of the Phrakeo (Emerald Buddha), as well as the Phrabang, Pra Xaekkham and Phra Kaenchan, other famous Buddha images. He also wrote the History of Khounbounlom Volume II.

In the time of King Souriyavongsa Thammikalath (1638-1690), a great deal of literature was written because the nation was at peace.

Laos developed strong ties with other countries in Asia and some countries in Europe. The army was strong, as was the economy and the population was content. For this reason, many poems, folk songs, Lamsing (lively music for dancing) and short tales were written, some of which are known to both Lao people and foreigners today.

Of special mention is the tale of Sinxay.

In addition, proverbs, parables and other teachings about morality were written.

These included proverbs of Siewsavath, the poem of the grandfather teaching his grandchildren, written by Phiakeo Douangta of Vientiane, Inthanhan teaching children, composed by Inthanhan, and Pha-nha Patsenthamhed composed by Phia Lasamath.

In addition there were some tales composed during this time.

These included Champa Siton (The Four Frangipani Trees), Kalaked, Khountheung and Nang Taeng-on.

The writer Maha Sila Viravong found poems and more than 10 letters from the period of King Anouvong in Bangkok library, including ‘Sanleubphasoun’ (messages that have never been erased).

In addition there are various stories whose authors and dates are unknown. These include Xieng Mieng, Thao Sithon and Nang Manola, Thao Souvannahong, Nang La and Nang Loun, Nang Keonama and Khampha Pheenoy.

Musical instruments provide further insight into Lao culture and its development across generations. All Lao ethnicities loved to dance, sing and play musical instruments. Different ethnic groups had different instruments. However, there were many kinds of instrument in Vientiane, including large and small band instruments.

The small group consists of the high-pitched two-stringed violin, low-pitched two-stringed violin, tail drum, khaen (reed pipes), flute, gong, cymbals, small cymbals, kachappee (twostringed guitar-like instrument) and other instruments. Big bands included a xylophone, flute, two big drums, gong, cymbals and small cymbals.

 

Translated from Lao into English by Xayxana Leukai. Readers can learn about Lao history in greater detail in the book “Vientiane in the Lane Xang epoch: Volume II” by Himmakone Manodham. The Vientiane Times will run a series on Lao history in each Saturday edition over the coming months.

 

 

Traditional small band instruments.

 

Traditional big band instruments.

 

(Source: Vientiane Times, Saturday July 17, 2010)