Channipha Doungwilai, Assist. Prof. Dr. Pathom Hongsuwan, Dr. Umarin Tularak
Abstract
The Prabang is a sacred Buddha image that is revered nationally by the people of Laos. The image is now located in Luang Prabang city. The Prabang plays an important part in the social, political, and cultural matters of Lao society. The Prabang is also held as a sacred symbol that expresses many of the characteristics and beliefs of the Lao people. This article aims to analyze and interpret the myths and rituals while probing their ideological basis by using a framework of symbolic and cultural interpretations.
The analysis shows that the myths and rituals associated with the Prabang image signify specific social ideologies of the Lao people. These can be divided into four points: 1) the symbol of politics and the power of the monarchy system of the Lao Kingdom; 2) the place of origin of the Prabang, which refers to the ethnic relationships of the people in Southeast Asia; 3) the characteristics and posture of the Prabang statue, which signify the power of the Kingdom’s ruler; and 4) the roles related to the ideas of prosperity and fertility. This paper seeks to understand the significance of the Prabang as a symbol of sacredness, and which, in its myths and rituals, possesses hidden elements of social ideology.
Key words: The Prabang, Myths, Symbol, Sacredness, Cultural interpretation
*This article is a part of the dissertation entitled “Myths of Buddha Image in Thai-Laos Bordering Communities : Conveying of Cultural Meaning and the Role of Enhancing Social Relationship,”Which is a partial fulfillment of requirements of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Thai at Mahasarakham University, Thailand.
