SAEN-AYAH-JUI: CULTURE AND TRADITION OF THAI KUI IN SAMRONG THAP DISTRICT, SURIN PROVINCE

Abstract

Beliefs in supernatural power is the source of Saen-Ayah-Jui tradition that originated traditional rites of worshipping spirits believed to be sacred and dwelling in the pagoda as a divine place of Savainikaya creed for worshipping God Shiva. It is the belief in spirits for a thousand years since the ancient times. The community of Ban Pho-Sri-Thad, Samrong Thap District, Surin Province has its way of life relying on nature specially rains. Annual ceremonial rites are, thus, organized for worshipping Saen-Ayah-Jui before cultivating plants. The ceremony is for begging fertilities from Ayah-Jui dwelling in the pagoda of Wat Pho-Sri-Thad as the community religious place for a thousand years. Saen-Ayah-Jui rite is the auspicious time for fertilities in cultivating plants and it is the occasion that humans convey their respect and faith to the sacred spirits. Saen-Ayah-Jui rite is annually organized by Thai Kui for worshipping in the fifth day of waxing moon of the third lunar month. The ceremony is organized before cultivating plants and it is a small ceremony respected and inherited by the people in the community for generations up to present.