Lua people
| Thin, T'in, Htin, ຖິ່ນ | |
|---|---|
Lua couple in Laos
|
|
| Total population | |
| (Unknown) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Laos, Thailand, United States | |
| Laos | 23,193 (1995 census) |
| Thailand | 48,000 (1995) |
| Languages | |
| Mal, Phai; Lao and/or Thai as second languages | |
| Religion | |
| Animism, Shamanism, Theravada Buddhism, Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Khmu | |
The Lua people (IPA: [luaʔ]) are a minority ethnic group native to Laos, although there is now a sizable community living in Thailand. Lua' is their preferred autonym (self-designation), while their Lao neighbours tend to call them Thin, T'in or Htin (Lao: ຖິ່ນ, Lao pronunciation: [tʰin]). Another term for this group is Lawa (but they have to be distinguished from the unrelated Lawa people in northern Thailand). There are two subgroups: the Mal and the Phai or Pray.
The Lua speak Mal and Phai, closely related, but not mutually intelligible languages, belonging to the Khmuic branch of the Austroasiatic languages. Their home region is in the provinces of Sainyabuli (Hongsa and Phiang districts) and Bokeo (Pak Tha District). In Thailand, most Lua settle in Nan province, close to the border with Laos.
The Lua's traditional beliefs are characterised by animism and shamanism. Some Lua, influenced by their Lao and Thai neighbours, have adopted Theravada Buddhism, while a few have converted to Christianity, but without renouncing their original ethnic beliefs. The Lua believe that the natural surroundings are full of good and evil spirits. They worship their respective villages' local spirits. The most highly respected genie called bhuka is celebrated for three days during Lao New Year (Songkran). In order to win the spirits' blessings for a good harvest, a newlywed couple, help in cases of natural disasters or diseases etc., the Lua try to appease them with offerings of pigs, poultry, rice or liquor. Traditional Lua villages display a "spirit gate" to protect them from all evils coming from the outside world. To mediate between the living and the spirit world, each village choses a male shaman, called khawcam.
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Wikipedia