The Belief Communication through Signs in Ritualistic Ceremony of ‘Lakhorn Teng-Took’ Folk Performers, Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study on beliefs in ritualistic ceremony of folk performers of ‘Lakhorn Teng-Took’, Chanthaburi province, and 2) analyze belief communication with regard to the significant signs which were used throughout the ceremony of ‘Lakhorn Teng-Took’ folk performers. In this ethnographic research, the documentary research and the data were collected from 30 Lakhorn Teng-Took folk performers in Chanthaburi province. The methods of field research technique, participatory observation, and in-depth interviews were employed. The research findings revealed that: (1) The sacred beliefs of the most Lakhorn Teng-Took folk performers were ‘Narata Muni’ or ‘Bharata Muni’ (Por-kea), the Holy Hermit Guru, and the spirits of drama-music masters. Some Lakhorn Teng-Took troupe believed in Nora Guru responding throughout the ‘Wai-Khru’ ceremony in anniversary, which the sacred ceremony hybridized between the belief of Buddhism, Brahma-Hindu, and sacred spirits; and (2) The analysis of the belief communication on Lakhorn Teng-Took folk performers was comprised of two distinct sections: (2.1) the communicative elements were senders, message, channel, receivers, and effect of belief communication. The belief communication occurred in two levels, namely the intrapersonal communication level, and interpersonal communication inside Lakhorn Teng-Took folk performers. (2.2) Signs in the ‘Wai-Khru’ ceremony was found that (2.2.1) Sign of sacred Guru was the reflection of the respectfulness of sacred spirits as ‘Guru’, who was the Lakhorn Teng-Took folk performing arts. The ‘Wai-Khru’ ceremony was symbol to demonstrate gratitude for benefits and compensation for venerable person, conscious of student role being, harmonious building, forgiveness, and charitable dedication to Teng-Took spirit master Guru. (2.2.2) Sign of ‘Krueng Sangwey’, offering of savory – dessert, plants, fruits or flowers was symbol to pay homage to thankful party, which showed the conscious of sacred master spirits as guru of Lakhorn Teng-Took within prosperity and wealth of savory – dessert, plants, fruits or flowers, and auspicious things. The participants in ‘Wai-Khru’ ceremony hope that the happiness and wealth come true.