Goddess “Tian Hou Deng Mai” “Dui Buai Deng Niang” and “Jia Dun Deng Niang”: Cultural assimilation in the context of worship of “Chao Mae Tuptim”

Abstract

This article aims to examine the processes of cultural assimilation and syncretism in the worship of 'Chao Mae Tuptim' within the context of Thai society. The study analyzes belief systems among the Hainanese Chinese community, who venerate three deities—'Chao Mae Tianhou Deng Mai' (天后聖母), 'Chao Mae Dui Buai Deng Niang' (水尾聖娘), and 'Chao Mae Jia Dun Deng Niang' (正順聖娘)—collectively referred to in Thai as 'Chao Mae Tuptim'. Furthermore, the research incorporates fieldwork conducted at 100 Chao Mae Tuptim shrines, encompassing both Thai and Chinese architectural styles. A purposive sampling method was employed, whereby the researcher exercised discretion in selecting shrine samples that possess specific characteristics aligned with the research objectives.
Based on the content analysis of this research, it was found that when Hainanese Chinese migrated to Thailand, they brought with them the worship of three goddesses. These beliefs were later integrated with the existing traditions of the Hokkien Chinese, who worship Mazu (媽祖), a deity with similar characteristics. This convergence led to a misinterpretation that all the deities were one and the same, resulting in their collective identification as Chao Mae Tuptim in the Thai context. Furthermore, the belief in Chao Mae Tuptim in Thailand has also merged with indigenous Thai guardian spirit traditions and the Teochew Chinese worship of the female deity Pung Tao Ma (本頭媽), who is likewise referred to as Chao Mae Tuptim. This reflects a continuous process of cultural and religious fusion between Chinese and Thai traditions. Ultimately, the worship of Chao Mae Tuptim in Thai society is the outcome of cultural assimilation and syncretism among Hainanese, Hokkien, and Teochew Chinese communities, harmonized with local Thai spiritual beliefs and adapted to fit the Thai social context.