Melbourne’s Karen community recently held a traditional wrist-tying cultural ceremony at the Wyndham Civic Centre and shared important traditions with their neighbours.
More than a hundred people attended the ceremony, called ‘Lah Ku Kee Su’ or ‘Lar Khao Khang Su ‘in the Karen language, which is an ancient, annual cultural tradition, primarily performed in August to ensure community and individual well-being and unity.
During the ceremony on August 23, white and red threads are tied around wrists to bless and protect against misfortune and illness, symbolising the nurturing of community values like unity, respect, and forgiveness.
It also serves as a reminder and reinforcement of Karen cultural identity, history, and values, often involving offerings like water, rice, bananas, flowers, and sugar cane to represent different virtues.
Local Karen community leader and Parks Victoria ranger Thein Ju said the ceremony was a highlight of the Karen year.
“It brings Karen of all faiths together on a day to celebrate our culture,” he said.
“The celebration stems from the very first migration of the Karen from Mongolia thousands of years ago.
“It’s also a significant cultural practice that helps pass down traditions and values to younger generations, fostering discipline, cultural preservation, and a sense of shared history.
“The ceremony reinforces the importance of unity, respect, forgiveness, and solidarity, binding the community together.”
In the past, before religions like Buddhism and Christianity, Karen ancestors tied white threads on children’s wrists, believing it would keep their spirits close and protect them
from harm.
