PLENG TRA IN THE RITUAL TEACHER'S PAYING HOMAGE CEREMONY

Abstract

This research has a purpose in presenting the study results related to “Tra song”  in several aspects, including origin, meaning, characteristics, types, and its roles in Wai Khru Ceremony (Saluting Teachers Ceremony) for Thai traditional music. The data was collected from documents, textbooks, research papers, and interview. For collects data about the major melodies of Thai traditional music, and spreads the bodies of knowledge about Thai music. According to this research, Tra song is a type of Thai music that has been performed for a long time. There is no clear evidence about its exact origin but this type of music has been mentioned and performed in many local areas. The songs differ slightly in terms of accents, but they have the same purpose, to be performed during Nang Yai (Thai Shadow Play), Khon, and ceremonies, especially Wai Khru Ceremony. The meaning of Tra songs are about the situation that occurred in that particular scene of performance. For example, there is a Tra song about inviting holy beings, a Tra song that is played along an imaginary character, and a Tra song that is used in blessing. Tra songs can be divided in 2 groups: those that are used specifically in Wai Khru Ceremony and those that are used in other occasions. There is also another way to categorize Tra songs into 2 types: Tra songs in which the two-faced drum is played at 3-chan tempo and Tra songs in which the two-faced drum is played at 2-chan tempo. It was found that only 2-chan tempo Tra songs are used in Wai Khru Ceremony.