Belief in Mae Phosop and the Creation of Thai Dance: Natayalila Bucha Mae Phosop

Abstract

This research consists purposes were 1. to Study the beliefs and creation of dramatic arts based on the belief in Mae Phosop in the Boon Beik Fa tradition in Maha Sarakham Province 2. to Study the dance movements of the Mae Phosop worship dance performance and 3. to Study the relationship between the belief in Mae Phosop and the Mae Phosop worship dance performance. This is a qualitative research study. The research instrument used was an interview form. The target group consisted of 35 participants selected through purposive sampling. The data collected from the interviews and related documents were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that 1) Beliefs about Mae Posop in the “Boon Boerk Fah” Tradition of Maha Sarakham Province “Boon Boerk Fah” is a traditional Isan ritual that has been practiced since ancient times. The ceremony is performed on the 3rd waxing moon of the third lunar month, based on the belief that on this day the heavens open the gate for rain to enter the human world. Farmers then prepare for the upcoming planting season, believing that rice fields will become fertile through the grace and blessings of Mae Posop, the Rice Goddess 2) The Choreographic Process of the Nataleela Bucha Mae Posop Dance Performance This creative dance composition draws on the rituals and beliefs of the Isan community, inspired by the reverence for Mae Posop. The performance aims to convey the significance of Mae Posop. The accompanying music includes the soraphanya melody, Ton Lao Paen and newly arranged compositions. The costumes follow a contemporary adaptation of traditional female court attire, and all performers are women. The choreography blends classical Thai dance movements with traditional Isan fon dance elements and 3) The Role of the Nataleela Bucha Mae Posop Dance in the Worship Ceremony During the worship ceremony dedicated to Mae Posop, the Nataleela Bucha Mae Posop performance is presented, reflecting beliefs associated with the Boon Boerk Fah tradition. These beliefs stem from agricultural rituals regarded as essential to community life. The tradition is celebrated annually in Maha Sarakham Province. The choreography for this performance incorporates a hybrid style Movements drawn from classical Thai dance, particularly from major foundational dance sequences (Mae Bot Yai), Movements from traditional Isan dance repertoires and Newly created movements used to connect one gesture to another.