Holy Water: The Creation of Lanna Social Network

Abstract

Religious beliefs and beliefs about “water” have been represented through signs and are part of Thai traditional rites which have arisen from earliest times and have been inherited up to the present, despite economic, social and political transition to modernization. Moreover, religionrelated practice through the use of auspicious blessing water is considered as a sign of power and faith which has influenced the Lanna community and society extensively. There are several reasons which have led to the association between people and the Thai sacred items. It can be said that the current social changes, the competitive economy, the struggle of living through the pervasive power of money has resulted in mental state confusion and lack of restraint in mind. The cause of this has been a crucial factor. The holy water belief is still embedded in the minds of Lanna people, and enables the middle-class people to unite with all classes, and fundamental principles, through the ritual as a community confederating significance from the past to the present.