Restoring Life Balance through Lanna Rituals: The Symbolic Power of Apology and Healing

Bhagavathi Sundaram Sivamaruthi; Neunghatai Chaiarpond; Polkaew Vacharachaisurapol; Anchaya Dutjanuthat; Wanna Damnoensawat; Chonlamed Laorod; Kriangkrai  Youngchim; Tanawat  Juntun; Oraphan  Phothi; Ruedeeporn  Kobchwamdee; Putthipong  Ninbai; Periyanaina  Kesika; Chaiyavat Chaiyasut

doi:10.57260/csdj.2025.284088

ผู้แต่ง

Bhagavathi Sundaram Sivamaruthi Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, India
Neunghatai Chaiarpond Statistics and Information Management, Faculty of Science, Maejo University, Thailand
Polkaew Vacharachaisurapol Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Section, Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office, Thailand
Anchaya Dutjanuthat Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Section, Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office, Thailand
Wanna Damnoensawat Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Section, Lampang Provincial Public Health Office, Thailand
Chonlamed Laorod Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Section, Lampang Provincial Public Health Office, Thailand
Kriangkrai Youngchim Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Section, Lamphun Provincial Public Health Office, Thailand
Tanawat Juntun Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Section, Lamphun Provincial Public Health Office, Thailand
Oraphan Phothi Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Section, Lamphun Provincial Public Health Office, Thailand
Ruedeeporn Kobchwamdee Innovation Center for Holistic Health, Nutraceutical and Cosmeceutical, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Putthipong Ninbai Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, Thailand
Periyanaina Kesika Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Chaiyavat Chaiyasut Innovation Center for Holistic Health, Nutraceutical and Cosmeceutical, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57260/csdj.2025.284088

คำสำคัญ:

Lanna rituals, Life balance, Apology, Symbolic healing, Mental health, Spiritual well-being

บทคัดย่อ

The present study aimed to analyze the forms, meanings, and healing mechanisms of Lanna holistic and apology rituals as cultural systems for restoring relational and spiritual balance in Northern Thailand. The research focused on understanding how these rituals, such as Tan Chedi Sai (Sand Pagoda Offering), Khan Tang, Suma Kaew Sam, Suma Phra Kaew Ha Jamphuak, and Suma Krua Tan, function to relieve guilt, fear, and spiritual instability through structured acts of apology, offering, and community participation. A qualitative approach was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews, participant observation, and symbolic content analysis across three provinces: Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Lampang. Data were analyzed within the frameworks of medical anthropology and symbolic healing theory. The findings revealed that Lanna apology rituals operate as relational healing systems that transform human suffering, particularly moral distress and relational imbalance, into meaningful experiences of reconciliation. These ceremonies integrate symbolic actions, language, and rhythmic participation to restore life force, mindfulness, and ethical balance. The results indicate that such rituals complement biomedical and psychological care by addressing spiritual and relational dimensions of suffering often beyond the reach of modern health systems. The study suggests that the incorporation of Lanna rituals into community mental health and wellness initiatives could strengthen culturally grounded approaches to mental health promotion and collective strength in Thai society.

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