Buddhist Banner: Auspicious and Inauspicious, the overlapped meaning

Abstract

According to several evidence existing from the excavation shows the replicate banners dating from 14th-15th centuries and some depicted in the old painting fabric called Pha Pra Bot. This evident reflected the devotional object clearly which can be compared to the sacred object appeared in the mural painting and in the architectural form in the same period.

From 19th centuries onward, The Buddhist literature mentioned the usage of Banner that involved with the devote to deceased and can be used as a protecting object from suffering serious karma. The merit scripture tends to be the scripture that had influenced on the usage of banner. The use of Tung is therefore further modified. From being an object of worship Become a dedication (to self or to the deceased) to ensure a better life in the next life. This important scripture written to revive Buddhist ritual and ceremonies after lack of upholding religious during Burma rules Lan na in 21th-23th centuries. From then on, some types of banners have been using in the inauspicious ritual such as Tung Sam Hang as a dedicate object despite never having seen evidence before. Some kinds of Banner called Tung-Jai, appeared in numerous Fine Art evidence indicate that Tung has been used as a sacred object throughout the centuries.  However, this long narrow fabric that depicted Pra-Sart motif has been also using in the funeral both locally Funeral especially in Tai Lue community. and Royal Funeral.

In conclusion, the Buddhist Banner appeared using in the inauspicious ritual from 19th centuries onward is the consequence of the merit scripture that has been written to revive Buddhist in Lan Na. The usage shifted slightly from devotional object to an item for the dedication of the deceased and using in both ritual but remain auspicious