Lao PDR: Boun Pi Mai: Legend of the Washing of the Head                   The water-pouring rituals of Boun Pi Mai celebrations are said to derive from the legend Nang Sangkaan, in which the deity-king Kabinlaphom posed a riddle challenge, offering his own head as the trophy. The wise and blessed Thammapaala solved the riddle and the king made good his promise. Like the Thingyan legend of Myanmar, ‘the deity-king's head proved too potent to cast into the sea, air or earth - threatening to dry up the seas, skies or destroy the earth. His seven daughters (symbolizing seven days of the week) were instructed to shelter his powerful head in the mountain cave, and took turns in cleaning and washing their father's severed head. The legend has been adapted by Lao PDR and a re-enactment of the ‘Washing of the Head' is carried out in present-day processions and parades of the Boun Pi Mai.