The Meaning of the Chinese Auspicious Symbols in Murals of Pung Thao Kong Shrine, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This article studies the meanings of Chinese auspicious symbols depicted in the murals of the Pung Tao Kong Shrine, the oldest Chinese shrine in Chiang Mai Province. The study was conducted through fieldwork, including photographing the murals inside the shrine and reviewing relevant reference materials. The photographs, along with data from these references, were then analyzed, interpreted, and summarized. The findings reveal that the Chinese auspicious symbols in the murals can be categorized into five groups: fruits, flowers, trees, animals, and objects. Most of the fruit symbols align with traditional Chinese auspicious meanings, with the exception of the mango symbol, which reflects an integration of local beliefs. The flower and tree symbols also adhere to the auspicious conventions of Chinese culture. The animal symbols include both those from traditional Chinese beliefs and others that highlight contemporary Thai-Chinese relations, such as pandas and elephants, which hold significance in both Chinese and Lanna cultures. The object symbols predominantly represent weapons associated with the Eight Immortals in Chinese tradition. The study concludes that while overseas Chinese communities continue to uphold their original beliefs and cultural practices, they also exhibit a willingness to integrate elements of the local culture in Chiang Mai. This is evident in the blending of auspicious symbols in the murals of the Pung Tao Kong Shrine. This study highlights the significance and differences between the two cultures, and it can be used as a foundation for further research on similar topics.