Por Tor : The Traditional Belief Aspectsof Chinese Ancestors in Phuket Province

Abstract

Por Tor was the belief tradition and there was the format of composition about shrine ritual which was thesacred space, including using specific artificial areasfor performing the ritual. The areas were set as the scenery, stage and entertainment. There wereimportant persons both Thai Chinese people and othersfrom inside and outside the area who participated in the ritual by circulating and working together for “Time Dimension of Sacred Space” from the 1^st of seventh month to the last day of seventh month according to the Chinese lunar year. The mentioned above was held for paying respect to the ancestral spirits, heroic spirits andother spirits in community areas.The communities or shrines where organized the ritual but there was no Kim Sin or the Chinese god idol; Ti Sux Xeiy which was made as paper doll sculptures or name labelsinstead.Include the red turtle dessert called as “Auguk”, the important symbol of Por Tor tradition; meaning of goodnessand gratitude to the ancestors of Chinese peoplethat leaded to art creation process. The red turtle dessert was meant as “the armor or protection” believed that the turtle was the auspicious animal; vehicle of heaven, having a long life and it could take the people step over the land of hardship. Thai Chinese people in Phuket still maintain the tradition inheritance continuously.