Patterns Symbolic in Religious Place, Wat Pho Ratrnasadsadaram (Wat Luang Pakse), Champasak, Lao PRD

Abstract

This research focuses on the patterns and symbolic meanings in religious architecture in Champasak Province, Lao PDR. The objective is to study the patterns and their symbolic significance in the religious structures of the region. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, with data collected from Pakse, Champasak, and Khong Districts. The research instruments include surveys, observations, and interviews, with analysis conducted through a descriptive-analytical approach.
The findings indicate that religious architecture in Champasak exhibits diverse influences, reflecting a fusion of artistic and cultural elements from Lao, Khmer, Indochinese, and European styles. These features highlight the historical and cultural exchanges between southern Laos and neighboring regions. The decorative patterns in religious architecture within Champasak can be categorized into three primary structural components: the base, the main structure, and the upper elements.
Furthermore, the symbolic beliefs reflected in these patterns originate from three distinct artistic traditions: Isan, Vietnamese, and Lan Xang styles. Each of these traditions played a significant role in shaping the architectural heritage of both Isan (Northeastern Thailand) and Laos. Vietnamese artisans were predominantly influenced by Chinese art, while the Lan Xang and Isan traditions incorporated elements from Khmer and Lanna art. Despite all three traditions being rooted in Buddhist principles and nature-based beliefs, their specific motifs and symbolic interpretations  differ due to various cultural influences. The Isan and Lan Xang styles emphasize depictions of the Naga serpent and ancestral reverence, whereas Vietnamese artisans integrate Chinese beliefs and multiple religious influences, expressed through a diverse range of patterns.