Analysis of Persistence of Yuang Ritual of Thai Song Dam at Ban Buayang, Wachirabaramee District, Phichit Province

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the beliefs, rituals and existence of Yuang Rituals of Thai Song Dam at Ban Buayang, Wachirabaramee District, Phichit Province. It is a qualitative study. The results from a case study of Mor Yuang, the patient, and relatives showed that the beliefs, and Yuang Rituals of Thai Song Dam occurred as follows: the beliefs in respect of spirits, since they believe that the spirits can protect or punish people. This belief has passed on from the ancestors till today. They believe that cause of the illness results from the actions of spirits and deities and the supernatural can cause the illness, since the modern medicine cannot cure those illnesses, they have to find the cause of the illness from Yuang Rituals. Yuang Rituals of Thai Song Dam are the rituals from which Thai Song Dam find the cause of the illness which the modern medicine cannot find the cause of illness. Most of the sick people are Thai Song Dams who seek for this service due to the beliefs in the supernatural power that can cause the illness; therefore they try to find the cause of the illness and take the advice of Mor Yuang from conducting the rituals into practice till the illness is cured. Internal factors that cause this belief are family, belief in spirits, supernatural power, low education, relationship among family members, and economic system. External factor is the lack of confidence in modern medicine treatment.