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Lao PDR - Vientiane - Hmong women playing the ball throwing game of ‘pov pob’ at Ban Km 52 Hmong New Year celebration

Hmong Der (White Hmong) women playing the ball throwing game of ‘pov pob’ at Ban Km 52 Hmong New Year festival, Vientiane province, Lao PDR. ‘Pov pob’ is a formalised courting ritual where unmarried men and women face each other in a line and toss cloth balls (or tennis balls) to one another using only one hand. The Hmong celebration of New Year is based on the lunar calendar. This important time is an opportunity to honour ancestors and spirits through offerings and rituals and to partake in games, sports, feasts, shows, bullfights and courtship. The Hmong are the third largest ethnic group in Laos. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.

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Filename
A0028556cc_1.jpg
Copyright
Tessa Bunney
Image Size
4000x2999 / 1.2MB
Contained in galleries
Lao PDR - Rural life still life, Tessa Bunney - All pics
Hmong Der (White Hmong) women playing the ball throwing game of ‘pov pob’ at Ban Km 52 Hmong New Year festival, Vientiane province, Lao PDR. ‘Pov pob’ is a formalised courting ritual where unmarried men and women face each other in a line and toss cloth balls (or tennis balls) to one another using only one hand. The Hmong celebration of New Year is based on the lunar calendar. This important time is an opportunity to honour ancestors and spirits through offerings and rituals and to partake in games, sports, feasts, shows, bullfights and courtship. The Hmong are the third largest ethnic group in Laos. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
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