พิธีกรรมและประเพณีประดิษฐ์สารทเดือนสิบ ตำบลสิชล จังหวัดนครศรีธรรมราช

Abstract

This research aimed at 1) studying the tenth lunar month rites and 2) studying the invented tenth lunar month tradition of Sichon Sub-district, Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The theoretical frameworks of behavioral and material semiotics as well as qualitative research methodology were employed to conduct the research. Participatory and non-participatory observations were made, and interviews with individuals involved in the tenth lunar month rites, including monks, temple staff leaders, rite performers, and rite participants were also launched as part of the research. Interestingly, the findings revealed that the tenth lunar rites that are part of this significant tradition have long been performed by the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and have been part of their practice up until now. The sweets that are used in the rites, the preparation of "Mrab", a set of food and sweets, as well as "Shingpret", a food-snatching race, all contain the meanings of semiology. Furthermore, that this tradition has become an invented tradition reveals changes in activity grounds, activity content, activity duration as well as the procession of "Mrab". The tenth lunar month tradition undoubtedly plays a significant role in promoting Nakhon Si Thammarat's heritage tourism as we can see today.