What’s the best way to maintain traditional practices while also protecting the environment?

The central feature of the Hor Khaopadapdin festival is the offering of food parcels to the spirits of deceased relatives. In the past, banana leaves were used to wrap the food but now many people use foam or plastic containers instead, which do not degrade and create more litter. Vientiane Times asked around for people’s thoughts on this practice.
 
Mr Saysamone, a resident of Luang Prabang province: I follow a lot of the customs involved in this festival. In the early morning I place packets of food around my home together with my family and then give alms and present other offerings to monks. I celebrate this festival every year. But I use only banana leaves because they are biodegradable. It’s good to show love, respect and gratitude to our ancestors and of course we might be rewarded for our good deeds and be blessed with a happy life and a bright future, and live in love, peace and solidarity. So along with other Buddhists in Laos I enjoy this tradition of giving things to monks and making merit for spirits.
Ms Vongdao, a resident of Vientiane: It’s good that people like to maintain cultural traditions, but we should also consider suitability, beauty and cleanliness. We shouldn’t just do the same as others if we don’t think about it what it is we’re doing. I saw a lot of people and vendors using polystyrene boxes to put food in because it’s easy, but I think that’s a practice that should be discouraged. After the festival I saw lots of foam and plastic boxes on temple walls, which looked very unsightly and will all have to be cleaned up by someone. I urge vendors to stop using foam boxes to put food in because they will not degrade and just create more rubbish.  
 
Mr Aon Buathong, a resident of Xayaboury province: This heartwarming tradition is a reflection of our belief that the spirits of our deceased ancestors need feeding and that we should do so to keep them happy. This is not a custom that we want to give up, but we can choose ways to mark the occasion that are environmentally friendly and don’t leave temples in a mess. We should be mindful of the consequences of our actions and act more responsibly. We should try to reduce litter as much as possible so that we don’t harm the environment and don’t cause problems for other people. It is important that we keep our country as unspoiled and garbage free as possible.

Monk Daosadeth, the abbot at Sokkham temple: Boun Hor Khaopadapdin is a longstanding tradition. It is believed that on this day spirits are released from hell and return to Earth for food, and it is important to satisfy their needs. The festival teaches people to be considerate and to be mindful of the needs of others, as well as showing gratitude by giving food to our ancestors’ spirits. People should show respect and gratitude to their parents and elders and thank them by doing something for them on this day, and at other times. On festival days, older people should take their children to a temple to make merit, pray, and listen to Dhamma teachings. This will help them to be happier and more contented.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update August 29, 2022)