Honor, Wealth and Power: Folklore and Identity of the People and Communities in the “Buffalo Racing Tradition” in Chonburi Province

Abstract

Background and objective (s): The research for this article aimed to study the value and significance of the “buffalo racing tradition” that impacts the people and communities of Chonburi province from a folklore perspective.

Methodology: For this research, two groups of data were collected: 1) data from documents on beliefs, narratives, buffalo rituals and the historical background of the “buffalo racing tradition” and 2) data from fieldwork conducted between 2022 and 2023 in 32 communities where the “buffalo racing tradition” is practiced, as well as from interviews with people knowledgeable about buffaloes in Chonburi, buffalo keepers in Chonburi, folk of communities where the “buffalo racing tradition” is practiced, and officials from government agencies responsible for organizing the “buffalo racing tradition.” Then, the data were analyzed based on the concept of identity.

Main result: The study found that buffalo keepers in Chonburi province have been using various folklore traditions to select buffaloes for races. For example, beliefs regarding auspicious days for bringing buffaloes into the pen, ritual days for threading the rope through a buffalo’s nose, the use of positive words to name buffaloes, and other rituals such as buffalo sterilization and blessing ceremonies. Additionally, material folklore tradition includes methods for caring for and controlling buffaloes. Such traditions are part of the folklife of buffalo keepers, who have the knowledge and experience to apply such folklore traditions to ensure “good buffaloes” to participate in the “buffalo racing tradition”. Nowadays, such races are organized throughout the year in villages, subdistricts, districts and the province. The “buffalo racing tradition” is an area that shows the identities of buffalo keepers, who are knowledgeable and skilled in raising and training buffaloes, as well as those who preserve traditions. This includes the honor and wealth associated with the creation of power networks within the community of buffalo keepers and people who play roles in organizing the traditions.

Relevance to Thai Studies: This study sheds light on the role of folklore among buffalo keepers in Chonburi province, which is used as a part of their way of life and adapted to their group's recreational contexts to promote tourism. Therefore, such activity has become their own identity for the community and province, which contributes to the cultural heritage of Thailand. Furthermore, this serves as the way to study folklore and folklife in contemporary Thai society in various contexts moving forward.

Conclusion: In Chonburi province, the “buffalo racing tradition” rotates through many communities throughout the year. This leads buffalo keepers to adapt folklore, beliefs, rituals, tales and material folklore to care for and train the buffaloes, while also gathering people to participate in the tradition. Consequently, buffalo keepers have identities as honored and wealthy people who possess both property and followers, as well as being powerful figures in their community.