A Comparative Analysis of Thai and Chinese Dragon Dance: Pak Nam Pho and Chaozhou
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Abstract
This article aimed to study 1) the historical and cultural evolution of the Thai Pak Nam Pho Dragon Dance and the Chinese Chaozhou Dragon Dance, 2) the impact of these changes on cultural identity and community dynamics within the Thai-Chinese population of Pak Nam Pho, and 3) the mechanisms of cultural transmission and adaptation in both dragon dances. The sample was composed of dragon dance experts from Pak Nam Pho and Chaozhou. They were selected by purposive sampling. The instrument for collecting data was through interviews, field observations, and literature analysis. Data were analyzed using Descriptive statistics and Content Analysis. The research results were found as follows: 1) the Chaozhou Dance has undergone significant changes due to globalization, transforming into a more modernized form, 2) the Pak Nam Pho Dance has retained more traditional elements, reflecting a strong resistance to cultural assimilation, and 3) these differences have affected the cultural identity and community dynamics within Pak Nam Pho's Thai-Chinese population, with adaptations in the Chaozhou Dance leading to a sense of cultural loss, whereas preservation efforts in the Pak Nam Pho Dance have contributed to a stronger sense of cultural pride and community cohesion. This underscores the importance of balancing cultural adaptation and preservation to ensure the vitality of traditional practices in modern society. By comparing these two dragon dances, this study provides valuable insights into how traditional practices can evolve while maintaining their core cultural significance, offering lessons for cultural preservation efforts worldwide. The research contributes to the broader understanding of cultural heritage, identity formation, and community cohesion in the context of globalization.
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