Kra Toob Tree Dance for Worship of Buddha

Abstract

Tradition of making merit “Kra Toob Tree Parade” is the culture of Northeastern people at Nong Bua Daeng District, Chaiyaphum Province in Thailand which has been inherited to the present. The purpose of this research is to study historical background of tradition of making merit “Kra Toob Tree Parade” at Nong Bua Daeng District, Chaiyaphum Province and to create “Kra Toob Tree Dance for Worship of Buddha”. This study is a qualitative creative research. The research tools are observation, interview, group discussion, experts’ review, researcher’s experience and presenting this creative work to the public. According to data collection, information analysis, conclusion and discussion, the findings indicate the historical background of tradition of making merit “Kra Toob Tree Parade” that it is traditional tradition of Buddhists in the Northeastern part of Thailand. It influences their lifestyle in the period of the end of Buddhist lent which there would always be worshiping of the Buddha who descended from the heaven of heaven after showing clemency to his mother. There will be tradition of making merit “Kra Toob Tree Parade” annually and it is considered as the day of “Kra Toob Tree Parade”. Kra Toob Tree’s manipulation in order to bring it for temple’s celebration is simply as Buddhist rituals faithfulness. Materials for Kra Toob Tree’s manipulation are local material which consist of 7 procedures. The researcher has created the Thai dance reflecting tradition of making merit “Kra Toob Tree Parade” in the name of “Kra Toob Tree Dance for Worship of Buddha”. There are 5 performance elements which are (1) performance’s denomination, (2) music, lyrics and rhythm composition, (3) dancing posture design, (4) costume design, and (5) performers’ casting.