Tree Deities and Tree Goddesses in Nirat (A Travel Log) to the Eastern Thailand

Abstract

This article aims to study the beliefs in the tree deities and tree goddesses in Nirat (a travel log), specifically 5 Nirat recounting journeys to the eastern Thailand, namely: Nirat Mueang Klaeng, Klong Nirat Chachoengsao, Nirat Prachinburi, Nirat Chanthaburi-Bangkok, and Nirat Mueang Trat. The theoretical frameworks used in this study are cultural landscapes of beliefs and legends, folklore beliefs and rituals studies, and literary analysis.
The results of the study find that the poet records the beliefs about tree deities (Rukkhathevada) in Klong Nirat Chachoengsao, namely Chao Pho Pho (Po Thep) and Chao Pho Sai (Sai Thepayachao), in relation to traditional beliefs and with references to Thai literature Samutthakoskhamchan and Anirudhakhamchan. The beliefs about tree goddesses (Nang Mai) are found in Nirat Mueang Klaeng, Klong Nirat Chachoengsao and Nirat Prachinburi. These include the Ta-khian lady and the tree goddess in the forest, whose names the poet does not specify. In addition, the beliefs about guardian spirits (Chao Pa) are also found in Nirat Mueang Klaeng. The beliefs about tree deities and tree goddesses are not found in Nirat Chanthaburi-Bangkok and Nirat Mueang Trat. The role of the tree deities and tree goddesses in Nirat to the eastern Thailand shows the relationship between human and nature and the relationship between human and supernatural beings. It also shows the connection between the beliefs in the sacredness of trees, asking for blessings and feelings of insecurity, as well as emphasises the poet's relationship with his beloved, while creating colorful scenes and an exciting atmosphere for the reader, and simultaneously inheriting the traditional beliefs about guardian spirits, a type of tree deity in Thai society.