MAGIC AND RITUALS OF FOLK HEALERS AT SISAKET PROVINCE

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the spells (magic) and rituals of folk healers in the diseases treatment in Sisaket Province. The research areas were four ethnic group communities: 1. Lao ethnic community, Ban Pan Ta Yai community, Pho Sub-district, Mueang Si Sa Ket District 2. Kuy ethnic community, Ban Ta Choi, Kut Sela Sub-district, Kantaralak District 3. Khmer ethnic community, BansaDam community, Pho Krasang Khun Han District and 4. Ye ethnic community Ban Phon KhoThe. The research was conducted to study community culture and the spells (magic) and rituals of folk healers in folk remedies. 

The result showed that there were two main points. The first main point was 1. community culture: 1.1) community basic information, 1.2) community health system, 1.3) community history, and 1.4) history of persons of interest. The second main point was 2. witchcraft and rituals are divided into 4 groups: 2.1) Spells that were found, 2.2) Meanings of the spells 2.3) Language used in the spells and 2.4) Spells and rituals. The findings showed the healing rituals of folk healers had the important purpose to treat the physical and mental illnesses. Folk healers are spiritual anchor of the community. Nowadays, the rituals of healing diseases by the folk healers aimed at treating sickness from invisible things. It focused to heal emotional, psychological and consciousness. It is the healing with music and ritual beliefs. Also, the healing included encouragement and emotional persuasion.