LANNA FUNERALS: TOWARDS THE PROCESS MODERN SOCIALIZATION

Abstract

This academic article aimed to examine the roles and dynamics of Lanna funeral practices as a process of socialization amid the rapid transformations of modern society that had affected traditional ways of life. In the past, funerals in Lanna society were not merely religious rituals for mourning and sending off the deceased; they also functioned as significant social spaces for transmitting and instilling virtuous values across generations, such as gratitude, respect for elders, and generosity. These values were conveyed through participation in religious activities, resource sharing, and collective efforts by kinship networks and neighbors in organizing the funeral. Such processes strengthened unity, social bonds, and a sense of belonging within the community. However, under the influences of globalization, technological advancement, and time constraints of contemporary urban life, Lanna funerals had inevitably adapted in form and structure to align with these contexts. Examples included the use of social media for announcements and live-streaming ceremonies, digital merit-making, and the increasing reliance on comprehensive funeral service providers to enhance convenience and reduce the burden on host families. Despite the simplification and transformation of ritual forms and procedures, the findings indicated that the core essence and symbolic values remained intact. Funerals continued to serve as a crucial mechanism of socialization, acting as a bridge reconnecting family members who had grown apart, fostering community cohesion, and shaping ethical values in ways that harmoniously and effectively corresponded with the dynamics of contemporary society.