The Composition and Process of the “Ruea Nuea” Ritual in the Khiri Wong Community, Lan Saka District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to study the composition and process of the Ruea Nuea ritual in Khiri Wong community. This is a qualitative research with the Ruea Nuea group. Data was obtained from structured interviews and open community forums by participant observation, organizing a discussion process for community leaders, government officials and religious leaders. The sample was randomly selected by purposive sampling from a total population of 38 people to bring the data to analyze and connect the issues, synthesize, compile and present the narrative results of the community. The results showed that the compositions and processes of the ceremony were presided over by Mr.Song Chamna (TaSong Chamna). The ceremony was performed and the participants were local scholars, community leaders, representatives from the government, private and public sectors by using the places of Wat Khiri Wong and Khlong Tha Dee to perform rituals on the Buddhist Holy Days (15th day of the waxing moon or 15th day of the waning moon). After the monk ceremony and stirring Khao Thip, equipment, vegetables, fruit and kitchen utensils were put in Ruea Nuea. The ceremony's chairman, the officiant and the participants joined in tying the holy thread and tricolor cloth at the bow of Ruea Nuea to pay homage to Mae Yanang (boat nymph). The chairman of the ceremony brought water in the canal to anoint ฟaround Ruea Nuea. Then, Ruea Nuea was brought into the canal and rowed along the canal and dining together. When ceremony was finished, Ruea Nuea was kept in Wat Khiri Wong as before.