Beliefs and Rituals of Song Ruea Tradition: a Case Study of Ban Khlong Nong Ngu Hao, Bang Sao Thong District, Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

The objective of this qualitative research is to study the beliefs and rituals of Song Ruea (sending away the boat) Tradition in Ban Khlong Nong Ngu Hao, Sisa Chorakhe Noi Sub-district, Bang Sao Thong District, Samut Prakan Province. It focuses on analyzing data from documents and information obtained from interviews as well as the field-trip participant observation. The study area is Khlong Nong Ngu Hao village. Key informants are current residents in Khlong Nong Ngu Hao consisting of seniors and villagers attending the festival and rituals. Scrutinized in aspects of content, categorization of topics, the data is verified by a technique of triangulation. The research finds that Song Ruea Tradition is based on the villagers' beliefs concerning their praying for successful occupation, disposing of misfortune, and removing bad luck.