Hae Nang Dan: An Analysis of Thai Cultural Conservation in Globalization

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the preservation of Thai culture in the context of globalization, using the Nang Dan procession tradition at Nakhon Si Thammarat as a case study involving. - 1) concept, practice and inheritance 2) the location of Dan, Brahman, and God 3) the cultural cycle 4) identity changes caused by the effects of globalization. The results of the study revealed that. - 1) the Nang Dan procession originated from the concept of world creation in Hinduism, according to Chalerm Triphop scriptures combined with local beliefs inherited through being a royal ceremony for the city. 2) Nang Dan’s procession ended because of the displacement of modern knowledge but was then revived in the form of cultural heritage under the condition of being a tourism resource which must be absorbed by rituals into light and sound performances and self-assembly with Songkran traditions. 3) The sequence of appearance of Nang Dan projected the stage of the world’s birth. Brahmans are representatives, directors and associates, and gods have a specific role 4) Globalization has led to significant changes in 5 aspects: cultural ownership, role, dress, ceremony, and ritual. From this case study, it was found that preserving Thai culture in globalization inevitably causes the culture to change in order to continue to exist

Keywords

• hae nang dan
• nakhon si thammarat
• thai cultural conservation
• globalization