Influences of Loy Kha Moat Tradition on the Way of life of the People in the Community in Ton Thong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lamphun Province

Abstract

This article aimed to point out the influences of Loy Kha Moat tradition (floating tent-shaped pieces of banana trees) affecting to way of living in community being positive important for people in the commune. It is held during the second month of a full-moon night, in twelfth lunar month. The villagers bring the banana leaf to make a tent shaped Krathong for carrying offerings and floating along the Kuang River in front of Wat Rommaneeyaram or Wat Kuramak, which is the highlight of Loy Kha Moat tradition and signifying of float away all sins and misfortune. People wish to leave their misfortune by flowing Krathong along the water in the “Yi” Month (second month of the year) Festival and offering their merits to ancestors as traditional beliefs of ancient ritual, the worship of Vishnu according to the beliefs of Brahmanism, and to worship the Buddha’s footprint on the sandy beach of Namnadi river. It is also done to float their prays for fulfill their wishes, according to their own thoughts especially the young prayers, who want to marriage. After making a Krathong, they float it in the river and make a wish. For the influence of the Loy Kha Moat tradition on the way of life of the community, there are both beneficial on beliefs and mentality since it enforces people to live with morality and virtue. For cultural, social, and economic aspect, there are tourists who come to join activities and float Krathongs in order to carry on this good tradition for long time.