Hed Wiak Ritual at Ban Nong Luang, Tambon Khok Ngam, Amphoe Dan Sai, Changwat Loei : Procedure, Belief and Existence

Abstract

This article aims to study the procedure, the belief and the existence of Hed Wiak Ritual at Ban Nong Luang, Tambon Khok Ngam, Amphoe Dan Sai, Changwat Loei Folklore is applied to use in collecting data, collected by field work observation and deep interview with the selective informants. The data are analyzed, based on the concept of ritual procedure, belief and existence in performing Hed Wiek and presented in descriptive content.

The results reveal that Hed Wiak or the local ceremony in removing bad luck at Nong Luang Village can be divided into three types; Hed Wiak for the village, Hed Wiak for thein houses and Hed Wiek villagers for the individuals. There are four essential participations for Hed Wiak ritual; the participants, the place for performing the ritual, the date and the offerings. There are two steps in performing the rite; the first step is the preparation and the second is performing step. In terms of belief, the villagers have strong faith in performing the ritual and the components of the rite. For the ritual existence, the study shows that with villagers’ strong belief, the continual performing of the rite and the great influence of the rite on the villagers, this ceremony still exists in the village.