Persistence and transmission of monness in beliefs and rituals : a case study of mons at Ko Kret, Changwat Nonthaburi

Abstract

This thesis is to study the persistence and transmission of Monness in beliefs and rituals of the Mons at Ko Kret, Amphoe Pak Kret, Changwat Nonthaburi in the central part of Thailand. This thesis also attempts to identify Monness in present day ritual contexts, including transforming elements. Fieldwork was conducted during 2010-2011 in three Mon villages of Ko Kret: Village I (Ban Lat Kret), Village VI (Ban Sao Thong Thaung) and Village VII (Ban Ong Ang). The main methodologies employed were participant observation and interviewing the key informants, as well as the villagers. Data from the fieldwork indicates the persistence and transmission of Monness in three types of rituals: rites of passage, e.g., birth, adulthood, marriage and death; Buddhist rituals; and rituals related to spirits. Traditional elements remaining regarding rites of passage are few as a result of modernity and acculturation. However, concerning funeral rites, the practices still follow the old traditions, with some elements transformed to suit time and the present social conditions. Mon Buddhist rituals include, among others, Songkran, Tak Bat Nam Phueng, and Tak Bat Dok Mai Thoop Tien. At the same time, beliefs in ancestral spirits and guardian spirits have been retained and annual worship must be performed to show gratitude to such spirits for their protection. The analysis reveals that elements of Monness in present day ritual contexts can be traced through the arrangement of ritual spaces, ritual objects, musical instruments, songs, performing arts, costumes, ritual texts and ritual food. The last part of this thesis considers factors determining the transmission of Mon beliefs and rituals which are found to be involved with ethnic consciousness, the role of local leaders, the role of Mon people at Ko Kret, and the geographical features of Ko Kret. Finally, suggestions for further studies on Mons at Ko Kret are provided.