Zheng Dance: The precious culture of Thai Lanna people

Abstract

This study aims to investigate Zheng Dance culture, the martial arts of the Lanna men at Ban Chan Village, Mae Chan Sub – District, Mae Chan District and Don Kaew Temple, Plong Sub – District, Thoeng District, all in Chiang Rai Province. Data were collected through interviews with local experts of Zhang Dance and based on secondary sources of Zhang Dance from local community library at Ban Mae Chan. This paper is significant as Zheng Dance is currently appeared only in the important traditions in Thai Lanna society. The results of the current study revealed that there are only a few inheritors of Zhang Dance culture. Traditionally, Zhang Dance is performed with or without swords. It is one of the Lanna martial arts and mostly shown in ordination or important Lanna traditions. Therefore, it is important to preserve Zheng Dance for young generations to learn it and inherit the future.