The Roles of Shrines in Thai–Chinese Community in Angthong Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study the history, beliefs, rituals, organizational management and operations of shrines and vegetarian canteens in Ang Thong province and to study the roles of shrines, and vegetarian canteens towards the communities of Thai people of Chinese descent and society. The findings revealed that the beliefs of Thai people of Chinese descent in Ang Thong Province were characterized by a combination of beliefs in Chinese gods, Taoism, Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Brahmanism - Hinduism and Animism for most rituals, traditions related to shrines and vegetarian canteens. At present, Thai people of Chinese descent in Ang Thong still maintain their beliefs, rituals, and traditions by modifying them to suit the era. Beliefs, rituals, and traditions of Thai people of Chinese descent in Ang Thong Province have demonstrated the establishment of social norms in coexistence between Chinese-Thais and Thais, which is a long-standing pattern. Belief in gods has resulted in traditions that show a system of symbols as an expression of emotion and also an expression of being of Thai people of Chinese descent. When considering the economic dimension, ceremonies, traditions generate income for both the Thai-Chinese community and outside society. It also appears that the rites, traditions, have helped to raise money for the non-profit organizations set up by the shrines. Some shrines use the shrine's land, buildings to earn money. In the social dimension, non-profit organizations established by shrines, vegetarian canteens operates in accordance with the objectives of the organization's establishment by the organization and the organization's leaders has relationships with various sectors, including the public sector, the private sector, religious organizations, communities, etc.