A Study of Origin and Roles of Khanom Thien in Annual Rituals of Thai-Chinese People in the area of Muang district, Pattani province

Abstract

The research aimed 1) to study the history of  Khanom Thien in Muang Pattani district, Pattani province, and 2) to study of roles and meanings of  Khanom Thien in the annual rituals of Thai-Chinese people in Muang Pattani district,  Pattani province. Gathering through documents, interviews, and participant Observation. Khanom Thien originated from some Chinese desserts such as Sticky bean bags, Bean buns and Banana leaves glutinous rice cake. Which has raw materials and cooking methods similar to Khanom Thien, but Chinese immigrants in Thailand applied to raw materials and cooking methods of local Thai people. Therefore, Khanom Thien is a culture object blending of Thai and Chinese cultural. The annual festivals which Khanom Tian is associated with offerings to goddesses and ancestors include 4 festivals namely 1) Chinese New Year 2) Qingming 3) Chinese Sart and 4) the tenth Lunar Month (Sat Duan Sip). Beliefs related to Khanom Thien of Thai - Chinese people and local Thai people are consistent. It is believed that Khanom Thien represents auspiciousness. Both raw materials convey the tenacity of the offspring. It's shaped like a pagoda or a name that looks like a bright candle. The descendants who pay homage to their ancestors with Khanom
Thien will receive good things in response.