THE TRANSMISSION GENDER OF LANNA TRADITIONAL SOCIETY IN COURTING DIALOGUE SONGS ABOUT GHOST STORIES.

Abstract

This article presented the results of the analysis of the texts collected from Courting Dialogue Songs about Ghost Stories performed by Lanna folk musicians in three northern provinces Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Nan that have also been publicized on social media. The results revealed that these performances transmit not only the art of Lanna folk performance but also convey practices related to gender orientation to social members. This orientation is adjusted to be consistent with the “soh” chanting performances which are portrayed in the form of musical repartee between men and women accompanied by folk music instruments; namely, “pii jum” or “sa-lor-kob” and “pin”. Analysis of these text revealed that the performances typically begin with courtship between a young man and a young woman, with the couple progressing towards their marriage. The couple has to conform to Lanna custom and tradition. Thus, the man needs to arrange a ceremony called “saiy phii” before being allowed to live together. However, it was uncovered that regarding “saiy phii” ceremony in Nan Province, the required amount was higher than in the other two provinces; therefore, confirming women’s superior power over men. The transference of gender orientation is seamlessly conveyed through the poetic and music of the soh performances.