Believes and Rituals regarding the Procession of Pra Mor’s Palanquin at Leng Chu Kiang Shrine, Pattani Town

Abstract

This article aims to study beliefs and rituals regarding the procession carrying Pra Mor’s palanquin from Leng Chu Kiang Shrine to Pattani town. This study was conducted by interviews and participatory observations. The informants are six people performing and closely participating in the rituals and ten ritual participants in general. The concepts applied in this study were based on beliefs, rituals and meanings of ritual compositions. The scope for data analysis was beliefs and rituals about the procession of Pra Mor’s palanquin including beliefs concerning the ceremony’s eve and the palanquin procession, the procession of Pra Mor’s palanquin to cross Pattani river, people’s acts of worship when the Pra Mor’s palanquin passes by their homes, and fire-walking rituals. The study reveals five findings. First, Beliefs concerning the eve of the rituals—throwing Boi (a couple of red divining block), bringing the palanquin into the shrine, bringing the statue of Pra Mor from the stand to the palanquin, and opening the shrine’s door—reflect beliefs regarding homage towards Pra Mor’s holy spirit, asking for auspicious time to start the rituals, and celebrating the ceremony. Second, beliefs concerning the palanquin are that it must be comprised of incense sticks, flowers and five flags, and playing cymbals (Ching – Chap) and drums to worship Pra Mor. Third, the procession of Pra Mor’s palanquin to cross over Pattani River presents the belief that the devotees will be blessed to overcome difficulties, have career progression and live in peace. Fourth, worshiping Pra Mor when the palanquin arrives at devotees’ homes explains the belief that Pra Mor will dispel bad luck and devils from their homes. Last, processing the Pra Mor palanquin on the fire in front of the shrine is believed that the devotees will not have any troubles in their lives and will reach accomplishments.