Preservation and Promotion of Tai Dam Culture, Bokeo Province, Lao PDR

Abstract

The main objectives of the research are to describe the rituals of house blessing, new rice harvesting, and village rites; the methods of preserving and promoting the culture of the Tai Dam people; and to prove and explain the differences in the methods of preserving and promoting the culture of the Tai Dam people based on gender, village of residence, and age. A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Design was used, which includes both quantitative and qualitative research.

The analysis results found that: the purpose of performing the house blessing ritual, new rice harvesting ritual, and village rites of the Tai Dam people is to feed the house spirits, father and mother spirits, grandparents' spirits, relatives' spirits, ancestral spirits, heavenly deities, and to ensure that descendants in the family live well, are strong, have long lives, and are free from all kinds of diseases and misfortunes. In addition, it was also found that: on the day before the house blessing and new rice harvesting rituals, there are many important traditional activities, such as preparing drinks, food, arranging sweet and savory dishes, Khao Mao (flattened rice), and Khao Hang (roasted rice). On the day of the house blessing and new rice harvesting rituals, sweet and savory food trays, white liquor, and drinking water are prepared and offered to the ancestors at the Kalor Hong (ancestral altar), followed by a meal shared with relatives. On the day before the village rites, there are also many important traditional activities, such as preparing drinks and food, arranging sweet and savory dishes, as well as Khao Mao and Khao Hang. On the day of the village rites, sweet and savory food trays, white liquor, and drinking water are prepared and offered at the village spirit shrine to feed the village spirits. San Ta Laew (woven bamboo symbols) are planted around the village, wooden Kathong (offerings) are carried, gongs are beaten, drums are beaten, cymbals are beaten, large drums (Kong Yai) are beaten, and a procession goes from house to house, playing Mak Khang, Mak Lae, and Mak Khon, along with eating together with relatives. The analysis also found that the Tai Dam ethnic group preserves their cultural heritage by learning about culture, traditions, and way of life, regularly organizing rituals, and instilling cultural awareness in descendants who are successors. Cultural dissemination is given attention through various forms, such as artistic performances on important occasions, creating public relations activities to promote culture through digital formats in the information technology era with the participation of all relevant parties in the community.