Creation of Dance Performances in Chinese New Year Festival at Nakhon Sawan

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the creation of performing arts in Chinese New Year festival at Pak Nam Pho, Nakhon Sawan province from 1917 A.D.–2017 A.D. This is a qualitative research by studying documents, text book, academic researches and interviewing, observing in Nakhon Sawan province.
According to the research, it was found that the performing arts in Chinese New Year Festival at Nakhon Sawan is the outdoor performance with street parade and can be divided into three periods of development: the displaying of traditional elements of the early Chinese settlers, the introducing of more elements from various Chinese ethnic groups who are the late settlers, and the additional elements from non–Chinese communities who wish to participate in this important festival. The performance have three types; 1) acrobat performance which has six processions: dragon, Hai Num Tiger, Hakka Lion, Peking Lion and Hokkian Lion 2) Role-play performance which has nine processions: Pak Nam Pho’s god and goddess, Pa Lhow (gong), Boy Bo (god’s weapon), Sai Gee (flags), Kia Pia (greeting boards), Guanyin impersonators, Pra Tung Sum Jung, Engor Pabu, Angels 3) The performance of life style which has two processions: Hai Lum’s cup dance and Lor Gow. The research has shown that the objective of this performing arts is for ritual benefit which created from the belief, faith and harmonious of Nakhon Sawan people. They transform their Chinese stories, lifestyle, religious, cultures and arts through languages, movements, music and costumes. Moreover, this performing art also reflects their ancestors’ background and the identity of Chinese community in Nakhon Sawan along with the friendship among Thais, Chinese, and Thai Chinese.