An Analysis of Sand Stupa Formation Ritual and Firewood Burning Ritual in Yi Peng Tradition of Tai Yong People in Mae Raeng Subdistrict, Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province

Abstract

This qualitative research focused on an analytical studying of the sand stupa formation ritual and the firewood burning ritual in Yi Peng tradition of the ethnic Tai Yong in Mae-Raeng sub-district, Pa Sang district, Lamphun province. A research data was collected by interviewing the 20 purposive sampling selected key informants. Both semi-structured interview and in-depth interview were conducted. The research studied the two rituals on four topics that are; (1) the patterns of the rituals (2) the beliefs of the rituals (3) the existence of the rituals and (4) the value of the rituals in the Tai Yong people’s way of life. The research results showed that the patterns and beliefs of the sand stupa formation ritual in the Yi Peng tradition are totally different from the sand stupa formation ritual in the local New Year tradition. Whereas the firewood burning ritual still remains the patterns and beliefs of the original ritual that is normally performed on the full moon of the fourth month in the Lanna calendar, then is moved to perform in the Yi Peng tradition instead. Both the rituals have existed in the Tai Yong communities until the present day because of the belief in luck and the prosperity of life if people maintain these rituals. In addition to the spiritual value of Tai Yong people and the harmony of communities, these two rituals might cause an economic value in the future with the planning of community-based tourism.