The Rituals in old City Area in Amphoe muang Phrae Chang Wat Phrae: The Study of the Components and Process of the Ritual

Abstract

This article aimed to investigate the components and processes of rituals in old city area in Amphoe Muang Phrae, Changwat Phrae. Researchers employed folklore methodology by taking the observation in 21 rituals in Amphoe Muang Phrae, Changwat Phrae. Based on the main purpose of the rituals, it can be classified into six ritual groups. They were 1) the group of making merit, 2) the group of important days in Buddhism, 3) the group of worship, 4) the group of dispelling unfortunate and 5) the group of renewal, and 6) the group of making apology. Each of these rituals reflected a blend of Buddhism, Brahmins, and spirits. The structures of the ritual were 1) the purpose of the ceremony 2) the date, time and place 3) the equipment 4) the participants and 5) the processes of rituals. These structures played an important role in the completion of the ritual. At the same time, the ritual was a structure of tradition and culture making the people in Changwat Phare to live together in the society happily.