Song-Ku: A Local Ceremony and the Existence of Historical Sites in Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

The Song Ku ceremony is held annually on the waxing (full moon) of the 15th day of the 5th month of the Thai lunar calendar. People in the Northeast region of Thailand also call this ceremony ‘Bun Song Nam.’ It is one of twelve traditional rituals of the Northeast. This paper describes the activities that are part of the Song Ku ceremony through three case studies: ‘Prasat’ in Maha Sarakham Province, also known as Ku Bua Mat in Borabue district; Ku Ban Khawao in Muang district; and Ku Santarat in Nadun district. Although all three areas hold the same ceremony, each has specific details, demonstrating the cultural diversity among different communities. However, despite these differences in details, the ceremony’s celebration makes evident the shared beliefs among communities in that they all worship the sacred items and revered historical sites of their localities. This paper reveals the importance of the areas in the past in relation to the activities that are retained in the present. It also provides a detailed description of the activities of the Song Ku ceremony. Consequently, the analysis reveals the differences between the past and the present. It also compares the advantages and disadvantages of holding the event, such as conservation of cultural heritage, way of life, and cultural beliefs. Finally, this article presents framing activities for further conservation. It includes guidelines and recommendations that each community should consider in order to live sustainably along with the historical sites and revive their merits as in the past.