The Functions of Holy Things in Isan Folk Songs
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this research article is to present findings from the study of roles of sacred things as found in Mo Lam Luk Thung Isan (Isan folk Songs). Based on the analysis of totally 43 songs posted in YouTube between the years 2007-2022, using the concept of functions in folklore and using qualitative research methods, two major findings can be presented.
The analysis of the gathered data suggests the followings: (1) the sacred things played an important role in creating morale for the listeners both in real situations and in luk thung Mor Lam Isaan songs; 2) sacred things give blessings in love, in attempt to be an artist or singer, work, finances, fortune, similar to requests for blessings from deities and sacred objects in many religions and cultures; (3) the roles and duties of sacred things in Luk Thung Mo Lam Isaan songs reflect Consistent belief systems between Isan cultural societies and beliefs in songs, i.e. Isan people believe in and respect ghosts, Buddhism, Naga, characters from Jataka outside the Nibat, Phaya Tan, Chao Pho Mahesak, City Pillar, etc. (4) Sacred things appearing in luk thung songs Isaan are linked to the beliefs of people in most Isaan societies. and have a role in compositions Mor Lam Isaan luk thung songs; 5) groups of godfather spirits and governor ghosts that people respect, including serpents, goddess ghosts, gods and giants are most sommoned. Such entities derived from Isan literature. Phi Tai and Phaya Tan And in general, there are Nang Kwak, Thao Suranaree, Phi Ta Haek, Thai Kings, King Rama IX, Phaya Tao Ngoi, Mae Ya Som, Kwan, Nam Prai, Din Chet Phi Pa Cemetery.
The presence of sacred beings as portrayed in the luk thung Mor Lam Isaan (i.e. Thai Northeasterners’ folk songs) suggests that the songs are sung in a similar way to the phonation in performing sacred rituals. The lyrics addressing the sacred beings are identical to prayers to deities or Gods and to Aṭṭhakathā (i.e. the Pali-language Theravadin Buddhist commentaries to the canonical Theravadin Tipitaka). The portrayal of sacred beings in this manner has turned luk thung Mor Lam Isaan into a ritual and comforting form of entertainment that enhances the morale of both the singer and the listeners.
Keywords: functions, sacred things, Luk Thung Mo Lam Isan (Isan folk Songs)
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright is that of the journal any reproduction must be permitted by the editor of journal
References
Anuman ratchathon, phraya. (1988). muat prawattisat borankhadi rueang khong chatthai [Archeology History Division the story of the Thai nation]. Bangkok : Ladprao Teachers' Council Printing House.
Ariyanuwat, Phra. (1970). Phaya Khan Khak [The King of toads]. Maha Sarakham: Northeastern Literature Conservation Center.
Ariyanuwat, Phra. (1993). Botkhwam “khati khwamchuea khong chao isan” Article “Beliefs of the Northeastern People” in Duke P. and others. (editor.). watthanatham phuenban : khati khwamchuea [folk culture : beliefs] (p. 15). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University.
Kasetthat. P. (2015). Bueanglang Rup Khaorop Khati Khwamchuea Rup Thaen Bukkhon Nai Sayam [Behind the idol Belief in images representing people in Siam]. Bangkok: Matichon.
Nathalang, S. (2009). chonchat thai nai nithan : lae lot waen khati chon lae wannakam phuenban [Thai race in the novel : looking through folklore glasses and folk literature]. Bangkok: Matichon.
Nathalang, S. (2009). Thruesadi Khati Chon Witthaya: Withi Witthaya Nai Kan Wikhro Tamnan Nithan Phuenban [Folklore theory : a mythological method of analyzing myths, folk tales]. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University.
Pitathawatchai, W. (1973). Hit Sip Song [The twelve annual Isan merit-making Traditions]. Bangkok: Mahachon.
Prachakitkonchak , phraya. (1926). Tamnanyonok [The legend of Yonok]. N.P. : Bandittayasapha.
Sinlapakon, krom. (1984). sila charuek sukhothai lak thi 2 [The 2nd main Sukhothai stone inscription]. Bangkok : United Printing Press Productions.
Sinlapakon, krom. (2009). saranukrom prapheni thai prapheni rat lem 3 ( khati khwamchuea) [Encyclopedia of Thai traditions People's traditions, volume 3 (beliefs)]. Bangkok : Advance Vision Service.
Sinlapakon, krom. (2021). ekkasan sadet truat ratchakan senabodi krasuang mahatthai ro so 119-131 [official document Chancellor of the Ministry of
Interior R.E. (1900 - 1912)]. Bangkok : Amarin Printing and Publishing.
Somchai, S. Phramaha. (1995). Lak Tham Thang Phra Phut Sa Na Thi Prakot Nai Botphleng Luk Thung Thai [Buddhist Dharma Principles Appeared in Thai Luk Thung Songs]. Bangkok: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
Yaen chong, J. (2005). Khon Thai Mai Chai Khon Thai Tae Pen Khruea Yat Chat Phasa [“Khon Tai” is not “Thai people” but is a kinship of nationality, language]. Bangkok: Matichon.