THE SYMBOLS IN ANCESTRAL SPIRIT WORSHIP AT BAN SING IN YASOTHON PROVINCE

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the symbols and meaning in Ancestral spirit worship at Ban Sing, Sing Subdistrict, Muang Yasothon District, Yasothon Province. The researcher collected field data by interviewing and observing participants in April 2022. Study information from documents and research on study areas and beliefs, Ancestral spirit worship. Collect field data using qualitative research methods from interviews with a group of 6 Medium and Jums and from participatory observation in April 2022, analyzed data using folklore methods and presented the results of the study with analytical methods. The results of the study revealed 3 symbols as follows, symbolic objects, symbolic behavior, and symbolic area. In regard to symbolic objects, it is a symbol showing the status of Anya Por Tao who is the old father, the symbolic objects acting for protecting and the symbolic objects representing abundance of the community. Symbolic behavior conveys the protection of loyalty and elimination of evils. Symbolic area, the area of performing Ancestral spirit worship, is spaced on the Hor Noi, it called Hor Hong or the hall room of the rulers in Lan Chang Era. The open courtyard area outside the inner hall acts as a symbol of the royal hall for former lords used for servants when visiting them. Sing villagers believed and perceived that the spirit of Anya Por Tao is the old father, who was the ancestor of the founder of Ban Sing.