War Rituals in the King Rama I’s Ramakien: Characteristics and Concepts

Abstract

This research article aims to analyze the characteristics of war rituals in the Ramakien, King Rama I's version, and to examine the conceptual frameworks underlying these rituals.
The findings reveal that war rituals in the Ramakien can be divided into two main types. The first is army preparation rituals, which include bodily preparation rituals and weapons

preparation rituals. The second involves strategic rituals, comprising medicinal compounding ceremonies and water-testing rituals. Among these, weapons preparation rituals were found to be the most prevalent. The study identifies that war rituals in the Ramakien were predominantly performed by the Langka faction. However, many of their efforts end in failure due to the Phlapphla faction's ability to disrupt ceremonies or counter magical strategies. The conceptual analysis reveals four key frameworks regarding war rituals: rituals function as psychological reinforcement; rituals serve as shortcuts to victory; rituals necessitate reliance on supernatural powers; and weapons preparation rituals constitute a critical variable in determining victory. This examination of war rituals in the Ramakien not only enhances understanding of ritual characteristics in literature but also reflects broader societal beliefs, values, and perspectives regarding sacred rituals and supernatural powers.