ศาลเจ้าพ่อหลักเมืองกับวิถีความเชื่อชุมชนจีนสงขลา

บทคัดย่อ

This article presented a study of attitudes and beliefs towards the City Pillar Shrine situated in Bor Yang Sub-District, Muang District, Songkhla Province. The data was collected through observation, interview, recorded documents and related photographic portfolio. The study showed that the City Pillar Shrine reflected identity and beliefs of Chinese community in Songkhla province in three dimensions: 1) Architecture and Fine Art in the form of a Chinese shrine, which are different from other City Pillar Shrines, decorated with stucco containing animal figures and Chinese characters signifying auspiciousness for worshippers; 2) Holy idols as sacred objects to bring protection, posterity and happiness into their lives consisting of the City Pillar, which is a concept from the Central state, and the City God, along with other Chinese deities, which are the traditional beliefs of Chinese people and 3) annual rituals and traditions such as annual Thanksgivings festival, the City God's birthday celebration. The beliefs and faith found at the City Pillar Shrine tie together people in the community, as well as control and maintain community's ways of life amidst globalization.