The Role of the House Blessing Ceremony (Hao Yuea Kror) on the Lawa People of Ban La Up, Huay Hom Subdistrict, Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province

Abstract

Background and objective(s): The house blessing ceremony (hao yuea kror) is a significant ritual among the Lawa People of Ban La Up, Huay Hom Subdistrict, Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province. This enduring tradition is performed when a new house is built, with the purpose of invoking household and ancestral spirits for the protection and wellbeing of the inhabitants, ensuring a peaceful and comfortable residence. This study aimed to explore the house blessing ceremony in Ban La Up, examining its role and significance within the community. Methodology: The research methodology involved collecting field data through in-depth interviews with key informants and non-participant observations. The data were analyzed using the theory of functionalism in folklore, examining how each ritual serves specific communal and cultural functions. Main result: The study reveals that the Lawa people’s house blessing ceremony comprises various distinct and culturally significant rituals: the fire-making ritual (chob kho yuea kror), the procession and guest reception, the spirit feeding ritual for the house post (khuen ta lamang), and the new house (hra), the Pok Aopa Tum To ritual, another spirit feeding ritual for the new house (hnam dong), the Cha Pai ritual, and the household spirit feeding ritual (nok choo). While the fire-making ritual has evolved with changing lifestyles and house designs, other rituals have maintained their traditional forms. The ceremony plays a vital role in providing emotional security, strengthening family and community ties, as well as preserving Lawa cultural heritage. Relevance to Thai Studies: This examination of the Lawa people’s house blessing ceremony in Ban La Up contributes valuable insights into the evolving beliefs and rituals of the Lawa ethnicity. The study also offers a comparative framework for studying similar traditions among other ethnic groups within the Thai societal context. Conclusion: The house blessing ceremony holds profound importance in the Lawa community of Ban La Up, not only fostering emotional security among residents, but also อsignificantly reinforcing familial and communal relationships.