Belief and the Rite of Nan People toward Nan City Pillar

Abstract

This research “Beliefs and the ritual of the Nan people toward Nan City Pillar” has the objectives as follows: 1) to study the history and characteristics of the Nan City Pillar; and 2) to study the beliefs and the ritual related to the Nan City Pillar. This study is qualitative research by in-depth interview. The results showed that:     The Nan City Pillar is made of teak wood with a cut in the middle of the trunk, created by Prince Attaworapanyo, the 57th reign of Nan, It has been restored in order until now. The characteristics of the Nan City Pillar are that the top of the pillar is a four-faced Brahma, which refers to Four sublime states of mind and enshrined in the tetrahedron temple at Ming Muang Temple.

Beliefs related to the Nan City Pillar is sacred. Nan people believe that the city pillar is sacred. It's a mentally dependent, and it’s also the center of mind. As for the rituals related to the Nan City Pillar Buddha image, it was found that The rituals will be consistent with local beliefs and culture, such as the tradition of worshiping the City Pillar, Merit Ceremony and the watering ceremony for the City Pillar Shrine during the Songkran Festival.