ZODIAC RELIC REPLICAS IN THAILAND’S CENTRAL REGION: PURPOSES, BELIEFS, RITUALS, AND MOTIVATIONS

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate and analyze beliefs, rituals, and motivations associated with replica worship in Thailand's central region. This is a mixed-methods research project that uses narrative theory, belief, and ritual as the research framework. The research was carried out in eight locations in six provinces of central Thailand where zodiac relic replicas could be found. Sixteen subjects were specifically chosen for the study, including monks and local elders. In addition, a total of 726 locals were chosen at random. This study's tools include in-depth interview sessions about the purpose of zodiac relics and a questionnaire about beliefs, rituals, and motivations for worshiping zodiac relic replicas. The quantitative research data analysis methodology is descriptive statistics, such as average and percentage. The qualitative research employed content analysis.

          The findings were as follows: The model of building zodiac relic replicas in Thailand’s central region is linked to the social and cultural context of the area in two forms: 1. a replica of all the relics of the zodiac, and 2. a replica of only one relic of the zodiac. There are seven principles for building: 1) to help facilitate Buddhists, 2) to celebrate 2,600 years of Buddha’s enlightenment, 3) to serve as a center of Buddhist belief, 4) to be used as a symbol or representation of Buddha, 5) to recall the origin of the group of people who came to live in Thailand, 6) to honor the King, and 7) to promote religious-based tourism. The locals held a “very strong” belief in the benefits of worshipping the zodiac relic replicas. As for the most popular ritual used in central Thailand to pay respect to the zodiac relic replica is with flowers, incense sticks, and candles. Lastly, the most common motivation for worshippers of the zodiac relic replica is a belief in the holiness of the zodiac relic replica.