THE ATTHAMI BUCHA TRADITION AND THE TRANSMISSION OF BELIEFS IN SACRED SPACES: A CASE STUDY OF WAT PHRA BOROMMATHAT THUNG YANG, THUNG YANG SUBDISTRICT, LAPLAE DISTRICT, UTTARADIT PROVINCE.

Abstract

This research article aims to study the historical background of the Atthami Bucha tradition, along with the meaning and concept of the sacred space associated with this tradition in Thung Yang Subdistrict, Laplae District, Uttaradit Province. Previous studies have primarily focused on describing the procedural aspects of the tradition, without providing an in-depth understanding of belief practices, symbolism, and cross-generational cultural transmission, all of which are crucial mechanisms in the establishment of sacredness. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the researcher collected data through documentary research, participant observation, and in-depth interviews with three groups of key informants selected via purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using triangulation.

The findings reveal two key aspects. Regarding historical background, the tradition encompasses five developmental phases spanning over 80 years, reflecting a process wherein the community serves as the primary cultural agent. Regarding the meaning and concept of sacred space, it emerges from superimposing the Buddhist legend of the "Makutabandhana Chedi" and the city of Kushinagar onto the contemporary landscape, which aligns with archaeoastronomical evidence dating back to the early Ayutthaya period. Furthermore, the tradition operates through a multilateral network integrating the dimensions of personnel, space, material symbols, time, and Buddhist arts. A notable discrepancy in perception was observed between the elderly, who emphasize the preservation of traditional customs, and the youth, who prioritize aesthetics—a tension that is nonetheless understood as an adaptation process that ensures the tradition remains a living cultural heritage.

The research suggested that the government sector should shift its role to that of a facilitator in order to elevate the tradition to a national festival under the framework of sustainable cultural tourism management.