Laotian Wedding, Nashua, NH, 1992

To start the nuptial rite, Manivanh and Phetphoumy kneel before a bowl of small parcels, which will be given to their close relatives. Pressing their heads to the floor, they are blessed by the well-wisher, who officiates.

Katrina Thomas's notes: Laotians, emigrating from Laos or Thailand, came to the U.S. in the greatest numbers when the Vietnam War ended in 1975. Their weddings are well-wishing ceremonies, called baci/basi, conducted by an elder, conversant with Buddhist practices. Two phakhuane/"spirit trays" embody the spirits that protect life and health. These support floral and food arrangements, and serve as altars. The officiant, holding threads connected to one tray, recites good wishes to the young couple and chants verses about how a husband and wife serve each other. He ends the rite by tying sacred threads, phuk ken, around their wrists. Wedding guests tie more strings of good luck on the newlyweds' wrists. Without a common language, I photograph four weddings with varying success. The one in Milpitas, CA kept the most traditions, which are explained to me by the bridegroom.