Naga Worship: The Creation of Traditions and Rituals Related to Naga in Contemporary Isan
Keywords:
naga worships, creative folklore, traditions, rituals, local identitiesAbstract
This article aims at examining the creation of traditions and rituals based on Naga beliefs in the upper Isan (Northeastern) region of Thailand. In particular, it focuses on the analysis of newly created traditions and rituals related to Naga worship, and concepts underlying the creation of these traditions and rituals in contemporary Isan. The fieldwork data was collected in Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Nakhon Phanom between 2018 and 2020. ‘Creative folklore’ served as the main conceptual framework used in the analysis. The analysis shows that Naga worship in upper Isan has led to the creation of several new traditions and rituals that can be considered ‘creative folklore’.The ideas underlying the creation of these traditions and rituals include stories of Naga with new traditions and rituals; integrating traditions and rituals of Naga worship into merit-making events relating to the twelve annual festivals of the people in Isan in order to promote tourism; reviving old traditions and adjusting them to new contexts; creating new traditions based on ancient beliefs and practices; and borrowing other local traditions. These traditions and rituals tend to link Naga beliefs with local identity formation with an aim to gain national attention. They also play a role in creating new meaning for Naga, creating new practices for ‘Naga worship’, constructing local identities responding to the creative economy and tourism, and serving as a spiritual anchor for people.
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