A STUDY OF RITUALS OF THE MIEN ETHNIC GROUP HUAICHOMPHU SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, CHIANGRAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to study the rituals of the Mien ethnic group, Huai Chomphu Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province. Qualitative research methods were used by studying documents and In-depth interview with 20 people who had important information in the research area. The obtained data were analyzed content-wise and the research results were presented descriptively. The results of the study found seven important life cycle ceremonies of the Mien ethnic group, including birth ceremonies, calling for blessings, bridge-building merit-making, ordination (Kwatang), marriage, sacred painting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies, and festival ceremonies. Four important ceremonies include the New Year's festival (Chinese New Year) ceremony, the festival of thanksgiving to local gods. Qingming Festival and Huangry Ghost Festival. The essence of the various ceremonies of the Mien ethnic group points to the Mien identity of honoring the gods together with a strong respect for ancestral spirits. It reflects the relationship between the spirit world, represented by gods and ancestral spirits, and the human world. which humans must receive help Protected by the gods and ancestral spirits throughout, it is concluded that the life of the Mien people comes from the gods and will eventually join the gods in the afterlife.