Beliefs on sacrificed animals in folk rituals, Changwat Phayao

Abstract

The study aims to explore belief and reasons of Phayao folks in using animals in their ritual performance. Folklore study is applied in the study. The data are collected by observing all local rituals that are related to some kinds of animals and have been handed down from generation to generation. Information from local scholars is also collected. Data analysis is done by qualitative method.

           The results show that the animals that are used in folk rites are both realistic ones and replica ones created from some material. The functions of those animals are to satisfy some supernatural beings and to narrate the story of those rituals via those animals. The reasons in using those animals in the rituals are as followings:

1. The concept of animal both the real ones and the replica ones in the local rituals are from their animals which are used in their farms or as local people 's food.
2. The animals are considered as the satisfying animals for supernatural beings resulting in success in their lives.
3. People believe the world of supernatural beings and human is similar. They also have meal like human beings, therefore; meat of animals is also needed in supernatural worlds.
4. 4. Using the qualified animals from the appropriate background and the favorite animals that are able to satisfy those supernatural being will bring back good results for sure.

             5. Some kinds of animals in the local rituals also support the audience's understanding about the   core background of the rituals as well as   imply some signs hidden behind the scenario of the rites.