THE ZODIAC IN LANNA FLAG (TUNG)

Abstract

Toong (Lanna-flag) is made for Buddhist worship and also used for variety of rites from the ancient time. A lot of rites or ceremonies in Buddhism have influenced belief of using Toong, which involved from creation, usage and aspects of Toong in any kind of Lanna ceremonies. There are considered as the holy ceremonies that have been continually practiced. Nowadays, the arts that appear on the Toong may have changed but it still preserved its identity and original artworks.

          Lanna people believe making Toong for Buddhist worship is the most desirable thing; it will make the believer to achieve a great merit that can bring them to the heaven. Because Toong is the pathway to PRA-KET-KEAW-CHULAMANEE pagoda (The pagoda located in second heaven where Indra dwells), so people must make Toong to be a steps and specifically give to their own Relics Year. It  have been tradition for Lanna people to count on, especially the “12 Zodiac Year” Toong that gather the Zodiac Year of everyone in community in order to strength their beliefs, build their personal merits , be the Local-knowledge center and be the strong and graceful bond in community.