Khon Masks in Wai Khru Ceremony

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to 1) study the importance of the mask in the Wai Khru ceremony. This study used a qualitative research method. By studying information from documents, textbooks, and information that is the researcher's direct experience. who have had the opportunity to participate in the Wai Khru ceremony, Khon, and drama many times Then take the obtained data for analysis and synthesis.

The research results found that The mask is very important in the Wai Khru ceremony. Both in terms of physical, spiritual, power of knowledge, and faith and it is one of the important factors that affect to Wai Khru ceremony. The importance of the mask in the Wai Khru ceremony can be divided as follows:

The mask serves a symbolic function. It represents the power of the great gods, demons, monkeys, and other characters in the Ramayana. In the ceremony of paying homage to the Thai traditional dance teacher, Different types of masks will be summoned. Placed on the ceremonial pavilion to represent the sacredness of the various gods. In the Wai Khru ceremony, It is like inviting a Khon drama teacher into the ceremony for the students to pay respects. To bring about good fortune Especially those who act as officiating ceremonies. The mask of the Brahmarshi must be worn. It is a symbol showing that the person performing the ceremony is a representative of the Brahmarshi. The god who is responsible for the dance moves Collection of various postures of the arts from the Vedic dance, which was created by Lord Brahma, and the literary arts from the Rigveda. Music from the Sam Vedas Performance of various poses from Yajurveda and the flavor or emotion from the Atharva Veda was codified into the Dance Veda.

The mask is the embodiment of the spirit. It is well known that dance is a discipline influenced by Hindu beliefs. in which many gods are respected And most of those gods are in the Ramayana. That was influenced by the epic Ramayana The mask helps create a magical atmosphere in the Wai Khru ceremony in Thai dance. It has a Hindu flavor. and making a complete difference to the general Wai Khru ceremony. Especially the khon masks that are placed on the pavilion for the Thai classical dance ceremony held in a quiet place. and cut off from the outside atmosphere together with the sound of pipe playing This makes those who attend the Wai Khru ceremony of Thai dance feel like they are in a trance.

The mask is a medium for delivering the power of knowledge and rights. During the ceremony cover the teacher and Students who have just begun to study dance subjects or to study dance at a higher level The teacher who performs the ceremony must cover the teacher and student with the mask of Brahmarshi, the mask of Phra Phirap, and Sert of Nora. It can be compared to the teacher who performs the ceremony passing on knowledge, faith, and various subjects in the performing arts to the students with the mask as a medium.