The Sacred Water Bathing Ritual at Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan: Social Memory and Cultural Symbols

Abstract

This study aims to examine the sacred water bathing ritual, analyze the symbols and meanings embedded in the ritual at Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan, and examine its roles in contemporary community and societal contexts. Data were collected through documentary research, electronic sources, and fieldwork, including interviews and participant observation.
The results revealed that:
1. That the ritual is grounded in social memory, drawing upon local historical narratives and enduring beliefs in the sanctity of water.
2. The symbolic meanings embedded in the sacred water bathing ritual at Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan encompass both material and behavioral symbols that represent supernatural power. These elements reflect the veneration of King Taksin the Great as a sacralized figure and identify symbolic markers that designate the temple as a sacred space within the ritual landscape.
3. The symbols embedded in the sacred water bathing ritual play a vital role in both community and societal contexts. They contribute to the construction of social meaning, the cultivation of historical consciousness, the articulation of communal identity, and the promotion of cultural tourism. These findings not only illuminate the dynamics of invented traditions but also contribute to broader discussions in Creative Folklore and Anthropology of religion. The findings highlight the importance of cultural capital as a foundation for designing meaningful and sustainable cultural tourism initiatives that stimulate local economies and safeguard traditional practices in contemporary contexts. The ritual thus serves as a compelling example of the seamless integration of religious, economic, and social dimensions within a dynamic cultural system.