Music for the Pham Raising Ceremony Ban Nong Hian Khok Sri Suphan District Sakon Nakhon Province

Abstract

This research consists purposes were 1. to study the history and background of the Liang Pham ritual at Ban Nong Hian, Khok Si Suphan District Sakon Nakhon Province and 2. to study the musical elements of the Liang Pham ritual at Ban Nong Hian, Khok Si Suphan District Sakon Nakhon Province. This was a qualitative study. The research instruments consisted of a preliminary survey form, a participant observation form and an interview form. The target group comprised 8 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data collected from documents and the research instruments were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that 1) the Liang Pham ritual is an important ceremonial practice that reflects the beliefs, way of life and cultural identity of the Ban Nong Hian community. As an inherited cultural heritage passed down from ancestors, the ritual clearly represents the historical roots and collective memory of the community. The ritual comprises several significant stages, including preparation, ritual performance, spirit possession and traditional recreational activities unique to the community. The ceremony is conducted continuously over a period of two days and one night and 2) Regarding the musical components, the musical ensemble used in the ritual is known as an “Applied Folk Music Ensemble” which combines various types of musical instruments while preserving the traditional melodies and musical identity of the community. The musical repertoire performed during the ritual consists of two principal styles: Phu Thai Lai Yai (Major Phu Thai Melody) and Phu Thai Lai Noi (Minor Phu Thai Melody). Musical performance is divided into two main phases. The first phase accompanies the spirit-possession ceremony and primarily features the khaen and the acoustic phin. The second phase accompanies ritual dances and entertainment offerings, during which the full ensemble performs. Furthermore, the study found that the musical ensemble has evolved from the past to the present through the incorporation of additional instruments and contemporary performance practices. These adaptations have enhanced audience engagement and responded to changing social contexts. Nevertheless, such developments have not diminished the traditional cultural foundations of the music. Instead, they represent an effort to preserve, revitalize and transmit the community’s musical heritage to younger generations. This adaptation has become a distinctive characteristic of the applied folk music ensemble used in the Liang Pham ritual of Ban Nong Hian Community.