Thai Cultural Heritage: Meru Loi

Main Article Content

Sathira Kitpetch
Pattrawadee Makmee
Parinya Ruengtip
Kanok Panthong

Abstract

This research article aims to study the background of Thai cultural heritage, Meru Loi Ayutthaya. The researcher stays in the area for using the In-Depth interview and the collected data are analyzed with the Grounded theory. Samples are 17 persons who are purposive sampling and snowball sampling accordant with DelPhi Technique.


The results shows that: Meru Loi originated from contemporary Meru being built by Luan Po Tiam (Wat Kasattrathirat) for Jao Khun Suwanwimonsil (the abbot of Wat Bandai Charng). Meru Loi heritage era consists of (1) before 1932, the funeral of the layman normally used ashes of a burnout pyre, funeral pyre and marquee. There was no one top roof of contemporary crematorium like in the royal crematorium. (2) In 1932-1977, the construction of the Meru Loi consisted of two tiered roof, one top roof, weave bamboo panels covering over the construction. This Meru usually used for corpses both layman and monks in hot season. The decoration of the Meru originally painted with colors. Then, local philosophers mortised and excavated it. The colors of it were mostly gold, bronze, white and blue. Afterwards, the people usually covered it by gold paper and waxed and polished it. And (3) in 1977-present, the Meru is widespread constructed all around. The Cruciform of Meru is popularly evolved from one top to 5-9 top roofs. The workers of Meru use the wooden panel which is decorated by color pattern instead of weave bamboo panels.

Article Details

How to Cite
Kitpetch, S., Makmee, P., Ruengtip, P., & Panthong, K. (2022). Thai Cultural Heritage: Meru Loi. Ph.D. In Social Sciences Journal, 12(2), 397–408. Retrieved from https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/phdssj/article/view/242207
Section
Research Article

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