The Study of Believes and Rituals of Shrine, Ghost Shrine in Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study beliefs and rituals to shrines and ghost shrines in Mueang District, Tha Mai District, and Laem Sing District in Chanthaburi Province. The sample used in this study was a group of people in the community living or those who are in charge of the shrines by specifying 44 people ages 50 years or Older. The tool used in this research is a structured interview. This survey and qualitative research result about beliefs and Rituals related to shrines and ghost shrines were found that there 22 Shrines including 16 shrines and 6 ghost shrines. Seven shrines and five Ghost shrines are situation in Mueang District, five shrines and 1 Ghost shrine are located in Tha mai District, and four shrines are in lame Sing District. Lt is mostly believed that the shrines have been worshipped in past times. The shrines are spiritual Anchors giving villagers protection and peace by making a wish for Work, education, fortune , as wall as praying and giving votive offerings. The researchers found that the rituals concerned with Chines - Thai people include the Merit Baskets Spread for the Poor Ceremony, The Fire Walking for rice Ceremony, Vegetarian Festival, Ghost Festival, and Annual Offerings to the Spirits Ceremony. For the ghost shrine, The researchers found one annual ritual which is a feast for the goddess of Khao Rai Ya Shrine. The 6oth birthday celebration is annually held at the Chanthaburi City Pillar Shrine. At Father Pong

Lan Shrine, the Pong Lan Running Rite and Graduation Run are organized at Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University. There are no rituals at some shrines due to the size of the place having not enough space for any activities and rituals.