Dynamics of Phra Borommathat Chedi folklore in the context of the nomination of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan to the World Heritage list
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Abstract
This article aims to study the dynamics of Phra Borommathat Chedi folklore and the ways of thinking of how to use folklore in the context of the nomination process of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, to the World Heritage List. The study reveals that the use of Phra Borommathat Chedi folklore, such as myths and narratives, beliefs, traditions and rituals in many forms in traditional society, is a main factor in the nomination to the World Heritage List. This has resulted in the use of Phra Borommathat Chedi folklore in various new dimensions. For example, Phra Borommathat Chedi folklore has created new icons and sacred objects, along with instruments to negotiate power relations, and has been transformed into a cultural commodity presented through the academization and expansion of faith and creation of new sacred objects. This phenomenon reflects “the ways of Southern people thinking”, including creating a relationship network, reliance upon the “barami” of Phra Borommathat Chedi, localization and references to cultural roots.
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