- Saek
ethnic group
group=Saek
poptime=Unknown
popplace=Thailand
rels=Animism ,Theravada Buddhism
langs=Saek, Lao, Thai
related=The Saek or Tai Saek are an ethnic group of
Laos andThailand . The Saek are a part of the larger Tai ethnicity.Geographic distribution
The center of the Saek population is the
Mekong River in central Laos. A smaller Saek community makes its home in theIsan region of northeastThailand , near the border with Laos.Language
The language of the Saek people is also called "Saek", and it is part of the northern Tai branch of the Tai-Kadai language family. Many Saek have also adopted the
Lao language .Culture
Most Saek cultural practices were either absorbed from the surrounding Lao and Thai cultures, or were practices common to the greater Tai ethnicity. However, the Saek are known for their
round dance s.Religion
Most of the Saek in Laos adhere to their traditional beliefs, which include
ancestor worship , with a small number adhering toTheravada Buddhism . Offerings are often made to spirits to prevent illness. Spirits often represent the forces of nature, and each Saek village typically has a guardian spirit.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.