The Chao Ai- Chao Noong Legend and Tradition
Suksavang Simana
Director and Co-Founder
“Association for Research Development”
Lao PDR
Abstract:
This paper focuses on the tradition of ‘Chao Ai, - Chao Noong’ as it existed
between the Phia Kasak as ‘Chao Ai’ (older Prince), and the King of Luang
Prabang as the ‘Chao Noong’ (younger Prince), and sheds light on the ritual
relationship that existed between them.
The tradition of the two unequal Prince-brothers, based on a legend about two
brothers, reflects the real life and social reality of the Kmhmu’ Kasak people
as the older ones and the Lao as the younger ones.
The Phia Kasak and the King both lived together in Luang Prabang in an unequal
status relationship. The elder of the two princes was the slave and servant of
the younger. Many people today are not familiar with the legend, the ritual, or
its social background.
The older of the two Prince-brothers, the Phia Kasak, had two ritual functions:
1. to feed the spirits of the Meuang, (area) and 2. to send the fruit of
longevity to the King as a blessing.
As reward he earned just scoldings of the younger brother (the King) and would
be chased away with a curse.
The topic of Chao Ai, Chao Noong also touches on the unequal status of the
indigenous Kmhmu’ in comparison with the Lao, which has existed in Laos in times
past, with the Lao holding the power, and exploiting the Kmhmu’ population that
was lacking rights and had no power.