Charms and Amulets: Beliefs, Types, and Usage Patterns for Enhancing the Charisma of Mor Lam Rueang Tor Klon Performers in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Isan folk culture represents a heritage of indigenous wisdom reflecting the identity, beliefs, and way of life of people in northeastern Thailand. Mor Lam is a traditional folk performing art that transmits stories, moral teachings, beliefs, and local wisdom across generations. Mor Lam Rueang Tor Klon evolved from solo and duet Lam performances into complex productions incorporating acting, music, scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes. Costumes and accessories, particularly charms and amulets, communicate cultural beliefs, values, and ancestral wisdom while enhancing performers’ charisma. In the digital age, Mor Lam performances have expanded through platforms such as YouTube, Facebook Live, and TikTok, allowing audiences to observe performers’ charms and amulets more closely. However, their symbolic meanings may not be fully understood. This qualitative research aims to examine the beliefs, types, and usage patterns of charms and amulets among Mor Lam Rueang Tor Klon performers in the Isan region, including their adaptation and continuity in the digital age and their influence on professional practices and cultural identity.
Methods: This qualitative field research employed purposive sampling to select three Mor Lam troupes in northeastern Thailand: Rabiab Wathasin Troupe, Prathom Banthoengsin Troupe, and Rattanasin Intaithairat Troupe. Twelve principal performers, four from each troupe, were selected based on their extensive performance experience and knowledge of traditional beliefs. Data were collected from July to December 2024 through surveys, non-participant observations of 10 performances, and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data trustworthiness was established through data, source, and theoretical triangulation.
Results: The findings revealed three interrelated dimensions of beliefs regarding charms and amulets. First, the protective dimension concerns protection from physical and spiritual dangers, including travel-related risks, supernatural threats, and maintaining physical and mental balance during long performances. Second, the performance success dimension involves enhancing charisma, vocal and improvisational abilities, audience relationships, and participation in important Mor Lam rituals, including teacher veneration and ancestor-related practices. Third, the career stability dimension relates to attracting performance opportunities, maintaining fan relationships, strengthening professional reputation, and generating income through both live performances and digital platforms. Charms and amulets were classified into four groups: Buddhist sacred objects; natural elements and herbs; folk rituals and ancestral objects; and digital amulets incorporating contemporary technologies such as applications, QR codes, and digital mantra content.
Application of this study: The findings can be applied to the preservation and transmission of local wisdom through documentation and digital databases, the development of educational curricula for folk performing arts, cultural tourism promotion, and the development of digital charm innovations that integrate traditional beliefs with modern technology. The findings can also support academic comparative studies and the development of appropriate marketing and communication strategies for Mor Lam performances in the digital age.
Conclusions: The research demonstrates that Mor Lam culture in the Isan region continues to adapt to contemporary social and technological contexts while maintaining traditional values. Charms and amulets function not only as expressions of cultural beliefs but also as mechanisms supporting performers’ confidence, professional practices, audience relationships, and career continuity. Their adaptation through digital technology illustrates the flexibility of Mor Lam culture and its potential to preserve cultural identity and sustain local wisdom amid globalization and rapid technological change.