The Status and Role of Local Traditions in Phitsanulok

สถานภาพและบทบาทของประเพณีท้องถิ่นจังหวัดพิษณุโลก

Abstract

      This article aimed to study the status and role of local traditions in Phitsanulok to provide an overview of local traditions. The data were collected from written documents, books, and research reports. This was a descriptive and analytical study based on the concept of tradition and Bascom’s (1954) framework of folklore. The results showed that local traditions in Phitsanulok can be classified into 6 types: 1) traditions about history, 2) traditions about rain, 3) tradition about rice farming, 4) tradition about Buddhism, 5) tradition about life, and 6) modish tradition. The role of local traditions in Phitsanulok revealed 4 aspects according to Bascom's (1954) framework: 1) providing enjoyment and fun to people in society, 2) affirming the importance of rituals and enriching the culture, 3) recognizing education as part of the process of social refinement and refinement, and 4) maintaining social norms. Moreover, it was also found 2 additional aspects: 1) regarding social and cultural aspects which included local traditions helped creating unity among the villagers in the community. They were also a dependable source of calmness and the heart of the villagers in the community. Furthermore, local traditions passed on Buddhism from generation to generation and created local arts and 2) regarding economy, local traditions helped to generate income for local villagers. These local traditions raised cultural capital. In addition, this study can continue expanding the body of knowledge in cultural studies and traditions with tourism in the future.