Yai Hom of Mueang Nakhon Pathom : An Analysis of The Value of The Community’s Myth and Beliefs

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze the value of myth and beliefs of the community about "Yai Hom", a woman in the local myth of Nakhon Pathom province on “Phaya Kong Phaya Phan”. The folklore research and a poll of members of the Don Yai Hom community. Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom Province revealed that the Myth of Yai Hom has 3 values: 1) the value of explaining the definition of community name and the creation of permanent objects, 2) the value of giving moral insights to the society, and 3) the value of creating ideas for community development.  As for the beliefs of the community towards Yai Hom, it was found that people in the community believe in Yai Hom in 2 ways: 1) Yai Hom is a woman who appeared in a local Myth of Nakhon Pathom Province, and 2) believe that Yai Hom is a sacred person whom people in the community hold onto. In addition, Yai Hom is regarded by the community as a role model of being a kind-hearted, generous, and excellently acting in the role of "mother".