SIANG SAI NAN: AN ANCIENT RITUAL IN ISAN LITERATURE TITLED: ‘KHULU NANG-UA’

Abstract

Siang Sai Nan is an ancient ritual appearing in Isan literature called Khulu Nang-ua in the part of Siang Sai Nan. Originally, it was a tale that had been told repeatedly in literary, oral and written forms as shown in the four palm-leaf manuscripts written in Isan language of Wat Nam Kham Daeng, Toei Subdistrict, Muang Sam Sip District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, which were modified by Mr. Preecha Phinthong. Another version is the five palm-leaf manuscripts of Wat Ban Ko E, Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani province. The story shows beliefs outside Buddhism, the belief of Sai Ming Sai Nan and the belief of human beings and angels. This article aimed to study the ritual of Siang Sai Nan by examining and analyzing the two versions of palm-leaf manuscripts. The study found that literature is the image reflecting cultures, traditions, beliefs, values, rituals and living of people that take place in a local area and language is used as a medium to convey stories. Some of the rituals appearing in the literature still remain, but some are disappearing. For Siang Sai Nan, it is a ritual used to solve the love and partner selection issues among Khulu, Nang-ua and Khun Lang. The ritual is conducted by a medium making offerings to Phaya Thaen (celestial spirits). The result of the cast causes a character to commit suicide. Even this ritual has disappeared, the beliefs regarding connections between angels and human beings still exist in Isan society.