The ethical value of the morals in the words of marriage in Chaiyaphum province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the history of the words of marriage in Thai society, 2) to study the morals in the words of marriage of Chaiyaphum people, and 3) to analyze ethical values of the morals in the words of marriage of Chaiyaphum people. This research was a qualitative research. The tools used in the research were In-depth interview. The target group consisted of three monks, five cultural scholars, ten wise elders of the white thread ceremony, and twenty-five general people including seven long married couples.

                 The findings revealed that the words of marriage in the northeast and Chaiyaphum province have existed since their ancestors. The words of marriage or Soo Kwan Bai Sri is a sacred worship based on Brahmanism that has influenced Thai society and Isan people. Therefore, the wedding ceremony of the Isan people must have the words of marriage which is considered a sacred worship. The words of worship are aimed at requesting the sacred things to be a witness, to protect the newlyweds, and to bless them with happiness, prosperity, and confidence in stepping into the family life.

                 The words of marriage are the local northeastern melodies produced by the local wisemen who have knowledge of language and literature. The moral teachings were inserted in a form of verse that were easily be remembered as a philosophy of household life and a practical approach for the newlyweds.

                  The teachings generated the ethical values namely, behaviour between husband and wife, behaviour between wife and husband, behaviour in marriage life, behaviour between a son in law and wife’s parents, behaviour between a daughter in law and husband’s parents, behaviour between a husband and a wife and their relatives, and behaviour towards the community.

                 In addition, the words of marriage generate the good value of ethics in the society and help preserve the local tradition and the inherited auspicious ritual. As time goes on, the value of this ceremony is overlooked because of the acceptance of other cultures in Thai society including the western culture that directly influences the Isan lives and Chaiyaphum people.