AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE TRADITION OF RICE-BOWL VOTIVE OFFERING BY LANNA THAI PEOPLE, SRI BHUM SUB-DISTRICT, MUANG DISTRICT, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this researh were as follows; 1) to study the meaning and type of rice-bowls votive offering by Lanna Thai people in Sriphum Sub-district, Muang district, Chiang Mai province, 2) to study the traditions of rice-bowl votive offering by Lanna Thai people in Sriphum sub-district, Muang district, Chiang Mai province and 3) to analyze Values of rice -bowls votive offering by Lanna Thai people, Sriphum Sub-district, Muang district, Chiang Mai province.  It was qualitative research with a target group of 10 people consisting of 6 abbots and 4 Lanna intellectuals. The research instrument was interview with descriptive analysis.  

               The results of research were found that:

               1) Rice-bowl votive meant preparing food with curry, fruits, drinking water, flowers, joss sticks and candles, cone flower and water of dedication. They were prepared in a beautiful tray and then presented to monks to make dedication. As for types of rice-bowl votive offering, they were offered in dedication to the departed ones as ancestors, grand-parents, parents and relatives, on birthday anniversary for prosperity of life to bless life, in dedication to divine beings who gave protection to town, territory of land and city, and in person for personal accumulation of merit and perfection.

               2) As for beliefs in rice-bowl votive offering in tradition of offering new rice in the fourth month after the end of farming season and rice was already harvested and before personal  consumption, it was believed that offering must be given to monks first to dedicate to ancestors including divine beings, Earth and land gods and goddesses to express gratitude. Belief in offering in Songkran tradition was to show gratitude to benefactors who had nourished as to express love and care. Rice-bowl votive offering in the beginning and ending of Buddhist lent days was because of faith in monks and novices who spent Buddhist lent on practice Buddhist principles. The Buddhists also had close opportunities to make merit in offering alms-food, listening and practicing Dhamma. Rice-bowl votive offering in twelfth month of Peng was done on belief that it was the day of releasing departed beings, ghosts that King Yama allowed them to receive food from relatives in the human world and the spirits of their ancestors could gain merit as well.

               3) Rice-bowl votive offering had spiritual value as it caused mental delightful and Joy. It built relationship in the family, cultivated good role model for children to realize ancestors’ benefactions. As for cultural value, it ​​preserved traditions, customs and mores. The merit-making that inherited identity of rice-bowl votive offering was typically unlike that in other regions. It was the nurturing of monks and novices to flourish Buddhism in the long run.