Taleo

Taleos are used by many ethnic groups here in Laos, however, it is culturally rooted in the Kmhmu tradition, the largest minority ethnic group in the country. 

The presence of the talismans traditionally signals a demarcated space or event, but also a sanction on entering or leaving a place. Typically, a taleo is placed above the door of a home, the edge of a rice field, or entrance to a village. It is used for protection, as it guards the entrance from unwanted human or supernatural visitors. Some taleos are accompanied by a branch of a thorny tree (the sharp spikes offer further protection) and a short blessing in Pali, the sacred language of Theravada Buddhism.

The TAEC Taelo shirt is such an important design to us here not only because it is a symbol of protection but because it is one that is shared & used by many different groups.

It truly celebrates the diversity of Laos!

During COVID-19 here in Laos the TALEO was used prominently by the local community!

“In the current situation, the taleo protects the household against harm, such as COVID-19, and can also mark the confinement of the family. When confronted with a taleo on the front of a property, visitors should call in to ask for permission to enter.

The recent rise of taleos in Luang Prabang also coincides with several ritual specialists predicting strong spiritual activities at the end of March 2020. According to them, the veil between the world of humans and the world of spirits is getting thinner, allowing some negative powers to roam around and collect souls. This merged with a rumour that it is a “once a century” angry ghost occurrence, somewhat similar to the Hungry Ghost Festival of East Asian Buddhist and Taoist mythology, and the Lao “boun khao padap din” (a day of offerings to the deceased). Word-of-mouth and social networks did their job, and coupled with the fear of COVID-19, the phenomenon grew, even reaching the USA. This may be an example of how folklore, rumours, and current events can give rise to new “traditions”!”