Abstract:
The purposes of this thesis were to collectively study and to analyze the progress of
Tham Kwan Naga elements and procedures by Bang Ban residents from past to present. In
addition, it included an analysis of roles and values of folklore in the ritual towards the
community and a synthesis of factors which affected ways of life and changed the methods in
order to maintain the ritual inheritance by qualitative research.
The research result found that the ritual of Tham Kwan Naga by Bang Ban residents
made progress from the past ones which were influenced by Brahmans beliefs. The conviction
concentrated on provision of offerings and Tham Kwan master of ceremonies who merely read a
spirit-invoking lyrics to the rhythm of Dhammawatra while Piphat band were playing songs
regarding Tham Kwan (the performance of encouragement) amidst Wien Tien (the candlelit
procession). The enactment of cultural Bill in B.E.2485 (1942) gave rise to artists inhabiting the
region and delivering knowledge to musicians and Tham Kwan master of ceremonies, resulting in
an application of Rong Song (singing with instrumental accompaniment) and Lae (intoning
lyrics) singing in order to add melodiousness and liveliness to the rite. The study of folklore
appearing in the rite found that Tham Kwan Naga ritual played a role in the community. The
ritual raised an awareness of gratitude, morality refinement by Dharma principles, unity, wisdom,
and aesthetic creation. Tham Kwan master of ceremonies was regarded as a spiritual leader.
Additionally, the ritual was significant to the community. That is, a variety of values were
obtained such as ritual elements and procedures, art of literature found in Tham Kwan Naga
lyrics, reflection on communitys ways of life and morality refinement. The synthesis of factors
affecting the ritual discovered that the new generation were less aware of the ritual roles and
significance leading to changes in the elements and procedures. This could disappearTham Kwan
Naga for years to come.