Leaf-Fortune Tellers in Ubon Ratchathani: Functions of Life Forecasting Rites in Contemporary Isan Society

Abstract

This article analyzed functions of the folklore of life forecasting rites of leaf fortune tellers. The researcher utilized a qualitative research method. The sampling was chosen by a random sampling method and collected interactions and discourses as data, recorded by compiling field notes from participant observation and non-participant observation as well as conducting semi-structured interviews with voluntary research participants of two leaf-fortune tellers and nine of their fortune telling rite participants and then analyzed data according to William Bascom’s (1965) four functions of folklore and Na Thalang’s work (2005). Results revealed that the first function of the rite was to describe the background and significance of the rite which can be sub-divided into two key points including the passing down of beliefs and practices of those participants rooted in animism. This function was realized through dedicating merit to ancestral spirits and worshipping the sacred gurus, and the second function was to deliver Buddhist teachings and practices. These functions could be seen through narrating the life forecast based on the participants’ rebirth cycles and their derived karma, making and devoting merit to deceased ones and making merit through helping others. Other functions of the rite consisted of providing education to people in the community, maintaining social norms, and entertaining and releasing mental stress. Furthermore, it was noticeable that this rite significantly functions to reduce various aspects of suffering which the participants were facing. Thus, this rite was keen to stabilize mental balance for people in contemporary Isan society as in Ubon Ratchathani and adjacent provinces.