THE STYLES AND BELIEFS OF RITUAL STUFF IN LUANG PRABANG, LAO PDR

Abstract

The dissertation titled: The styles and beliefs of amulets in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR aimed to study the patterns and beliefs of amulets in Luang Prabang in Lao PDR, particularly in the fifth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh months (in Laos beliefs). The study was conducted with the qualitative by applying the concepts, and theoretical framework of Structural-functional and semiology theory then presented with the descriptive analysis. The study results indicated that the styles of the amulets had divided into five main perspectives: a) Functional features, which divided into three categories, i.e. 1) Amulets, 2) Scared, 3) Ritual items, b) Material features which divided into four categories i.e.1) Fresh item, 2) Processed item, 3) Durable item, and 4) Circulated item, c) Structural features which divided into three categories, i.e. 1) Single-unit, 2) Gathered unit, 3)Mixed unit, d) Invented features which divided into three categories, i.e. 1) Self-invented, 2) Co invented, 3) Purchased, e)Artistry features which divided into three categories, i.e. 1) Creation, 2) Neat, 3) Seamless composition.

The ritual styles resulted from beliefs through creating and practicing from generation to generation with experience and understanding. In terms of beliefs, the study categorized the beliefs into two stages: a) Community's beliefs: the beliefs about spirit, i.e. Tai and Pan ghost, Muang ghost or Ancestral spirits, Naga Beliefs, about Auspicious beliefs,  b) Social beliefs: consisted of 1) Religious beliefs—Brahmanism and Buddhism, 2) Cosmology beliefs, and 3) Astrology beliefs.  These beliefs were both tangible and present through ritual items, and the abstract form, which contained a single meaning and significant meaning which combined the complex beliefs and culture along with the changes in Luang Prabang society, resulted in a cultural variety in meanings and continuing the influence in the next generation.