The Lahu Nyi and Lahu Na believe in a form of theistic
animism which is a deviation from that of their cousins in Burma and
Laos. These Thailand Lahu also follow teachings promulgated by a
Lahu religious leader, who died about 1890 in Mong Ka, southern
Yunnan. Called " Ah Sha Fu Cu ", ( Yunnanese meaning " Ah Sha,
Lord of the Temple ") this man called his people to his death bed
telling them to " burn the beeswax candles and joss-sticks, that the
day might soon come when the Lahu people will receive their enlightment
from God". Those 1,ahu in Burma who became Christians
considered the " enlightment " tu have been the coming of christian
missionaries. Others continue to await the enlightment and burn
candles and joss-sticks to this day.