COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN THERAPISEK CEREMONY OF MUNICIPALITY OF HOKHUM SUB-DISTRICT, BUENG KAN PROVINCE AND THERAPISEK CEREMONY OF BAN NAM LO BRIKHAMCHAI DISTRICT LAO PDR

Abstract

         The objectives of this research article are to study the history of the Theraphisek
ceremony in the Lan Xang Kingdom and compare the Therapisek ceremony in Hokhum
Sub-district, Bueng Kan Province and Ban Nam Lo, Brikhamchai District, Lao PDR. It is
qualitative research with primary data from the books of the Tipitaka and secondary data
from the commentary books, Anutika or ancient books. There are the in-depth
interviewed some of Phra Mahathera, an elder and a local philosopher in both sources.
The research results were found that the Tharapisek ceremony of Lan Xang was
influenced by Lanna because Lanna and Lan Xang have a historical connection each
other and the kings descended together. Lan Xang called the Therapisek that Hod Song,
a recitation ceremony to the monks that the villagers deem to have good behavior and
practice through a watering ceremony. According to the beliefs of Lan Xang, Hod Song
ceremony have been in the northeast since Dvaravati Kingdom where is evidence in
many provinces of the Northeast.

         Municipality of Hokhum Sub-district, Mueang District, Bueng Kan Province and Ban
Nam Lo, Bolikhamxay, Lao PDR, located on the opposite side of the Mekong River. The
two communities are closely related. There are boat rides back and forth to each other
on a regular basis. Have the same traditions and culture. Although the ceremony of both
communities is similar. But nowadays, when the social and administrative contexts of
the two countries differ. Therefore, the Hod Song ceremony of the two communities has
many similarities and differences.