The Gongji Qingming Ceremony through a Case Study of the Sawang Chanyatham Foundation, Buriram Province

Abstract

This academic article aims to: 1) examine the procedures and ritual practices of the Gongji Qingming Ceremony held at the Memorial Cemetery for Unidentified Chinese-Thai Ancestors; and 2) investigate the value of the Gongji Qingming Ceremony through a case study of the Sawang Chanyatham Foundation, Buriram Province. The study employed qualitative field research methods, including participant observation in the ceremony and interviews with key informants. The findings revealed that the Gongji Qingming Ceremony follows a sequence of ritual practices that reflect traditional Chinese beliefs and ceremonial conventions. The ceremony begins with expressions of gratitude and offerings at the guardian shrines within the Sawang Chanyatham Cemetery, namely the Hok Tek Shrine, Pae Kong Shrine, and Ngow Thow Shrine, before proceeding to the Gongji ceremony at the Memorial Cemetery for Unidentified Chinese-Thai Ancestors. Furthermore, the ceremony demonstrates significant value in three major aspects. First, from an economic perspective, it generates income for the local community through the purchase of goods and services associated with the event. Second, from a social perspective, it promotes cooperation, volunteerism, and active participation among members of the Sawang Chanyatham Foundation. Third, from a cultural perspective, it contributes to preserving and transmitting the cultural identity, beliefs, and traditions of the Sawang Chanyatham Foundation, thus ensuring their continuity within contemporary Thai society.