STATES AND CHANGE FACTORS OF RITUALS IN OLD CITY AREA IN AMPHOE MUANG PHRAE, CHANGWAT PHRAE

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the states and change factors of rituals in old town communities in Amphoe Mueang Phrae Changwat Phrae by using a folklore methodology. Researchers participated in observation of rituals and interviewed the experts for additional information in order to analyze for states and change factors of rituals. Structural-functional theory was used to analyzed the data. The results revealed that the structures of six groups of rituals in Amphoe Muang, Changwat Phrae had two states which were 1) normal state - the traditions and practices in the rituals were strictly maintained - and 2) changing state. The change factors were caused by 1) government policy or organizer’s policy, 2) technological progress, 3) tourism and economics, and 4) the situation of COVID-19 outbreak. The results led to the understanding of the changes of the rituals in the old town communities in Phrae that was influenced by dynamic social factors. In addition, interesting examples of changes can be further developed in the form of creating rituals in the old town communities.