“Bhu-Cha" drums in Lan Na History: the ceremonies and beliefs in the Mekong Delta

Abstract

          The objectives of this study is to describe the history of the “Bhu-Cha" drums that play large a role in Lan Na people’s rites and beliefs about Buddhism. It was first used as a war drums but later used in Buddhist ceremonies, since the reign of Phaya Kue Na since 1355 AD. During his reign, the Lamanlankawong or the Suan-Dok School of Buddhism was speeded by a monk named Sumana The-ra form Sukhothai. As a result, people widely converted from believing in spirits to Buddhism. Since then the Bhu-Cha drums have to come to play a large part in promoting Buddhism, with Tai Lü people declaring themselves Buddhists and passing down the tradition of playing Bhu-Cha drums in Buddhist ceremonies.

          The study reveals that Bhu-Cha drums are still a deeply important instrument in ceremonies and Tai Lü people’s faith in Buddhism. This crucial Tai Lü’s culture and the practice of passing down its identity allow Buddhism to remain a part of Lan Na society. Although things have changed with the time, Bhu-Cha drums are still a part of Tai Lü people’s way of life. And these people are still an indistinguishable part of the ethnic groups living around the Mekong Delta. This is a testament that proves the importance of Bhu-Cha drums to the Tai Lü people’s unwavering faith in Buddhism.