Baci
“Baci” by Ashley Rajavadee / Ink and watercolor on paper
By Ashley Rajavadee
It’s been a journey in learning to fully embrace the richness and intricacies of my Lao identity and culture. I wasn’t always proud of my identity, especially when I was younger. As I matured, especially during my college years, I more seriously absorbed my family’s teachings and traditions and began to find beauty in my culture. One of the beauties of my culture that I’ve embraced is the heavy significance of spirits and soul.
My work depicts a woman praying in a Baci ceremony, also called Sou Khuan (“spirit enhancing”). A Baci is a traditional ceremony in Lao culture that calls for balance to people’s souls. A Baci is typically held during major life events, such as weddings, births, and funerals. The ceremony centers around a pyramid made of palm leaves and marigolds, called Pha Khuan; this is shown in the background. In the foreground, the woman has her hands in prayer with the Baci strings tied around her wrists, which are tied onto one’s wrists by other participants in the ceremony. The string is meant to anchor one’s spirits to their body so that the soul becomes balanced and healthy. A Baci ceremony is a deeply beautiful tradition, dating back before the spread of Buddhism in Laos; learning how to embrace this part of my identity and culture makes me appreciate every Baci I’ve been a part of while growing up.
My art is meant to celebrate the beauty and joy of my Lao identity as a proud daughter of Lao refugees. I feel incredibly blessed to exist in a space where I can honor my family’s history and traditions through self-learning and art. I’m honored to be able to share my experiences with others and carry on pieces of my culture to future generations.
About the Artist
Ashley Rajavadee (she/her) is a data professional working in the impact nonprofit space. She was a Summer 2019 OCA National Center intern. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in 2020 and with her Master of Science in Data Analytics in 2023. She is passionate about utilizing data for social impact and community development. Though she currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, she was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. As a proud daughter of Lao refugees, she is dedicated to uplifting her community through all of her work.