A Comparative Study on the Symbolic Meaning of Plants in Festivals of the Han and Thai Ethnic Group

Abstract

    The folk customs associated with plants are a vivid representation of the cultural genes of various ethnic groups, embodying their unique historical memories and life wisdom. China and Thailand, as two representative countries in East Asia and Southeast Asia, showcase the distinctive cultural identities through the symbolic meanings of plants, while also hiding commonalities. This study systematically sorts out the types of plants with folkloric symbolic significance in the festivals of the Han and Thai ethnic group. Comparing the differences and commonalities of the symbolic meanings of plant folklore and explore the culture behind the symbolic meanings of plant folklore in Han and Thai festivals. The study found that the symbolic meanings of plants in both the Han and Thai cultures revolve around satisfying people's respect for nature, prioritizing life, and fulfilling spiritual needs. Meanwhile, the symbolic meanings of festival plants in the two ethnic groups exhibit significant differences in terms of their origins, value orientations, cultural roots, and the weight given to religious beliefs. Commonalities and differences are the result of the combined effects of the historical origins, living environments, value pursuits, and social structures of the Han and Thai ethnic group. By comparing the symbolic meanings of plant customs in Han and Thai festivals, the study provides a new perspective for understanding the cultural similarities and uniqueness between the two countries. It helps to reduce cognitive biases in cross-cultural communication and promote mutual learning and inheritance of folk cultures between the two countries.