Abstract

    The objectives of this research on attitude towards belief in the ninth lunar month festival (Khaopradabdin) include; 1) To study and analyze the historical background of the ninth lunar month festival; 2) To study and analyze the northeastern people’s attitude towards the belief in the ninth lunar month festival; 3) To study the influence of the rites in the ninth lunar month festival among the northeastern people. The target group of this research is the residents in the surrounding communities of Mahavanaram and Sarapadnuek Temples located in Tambon Naimuang, Muang district, Ubonratchathani province. This study is a qualitative research focusing on documentary and field research and information was gathered by interviewing.

Findings from this Research

    1)The historical background of the ninth lunar month festival is one of the

northeastern people’s social customs and norms (Heetsibsong-Kongsibsee) descended from the period of Buddha through Dharma legend mentioning about the relatives of King Pimpisara who passed away and became starving ghosts in between the enlightenment period of Buddha. There was, thus, merit makings dedicated for the dead relatives. This has helped relieving the suffering of the starving ghosts. This is also an opportunity for paying gratitude and it becomes the common practice for the community spirit and identity up to present.

       2) To study and analyze the northeastern people’s attitude towards the

 belief in the ninth lunar month festival; the belief in this festival was originated from the belief in laws of karma evidenced in dharma legend and descended in practice as social norms and customs of the northeastern people. The festival is organized in the ninth lunar month through making merit by giving alms dedicated for the dead relatives to be relieved from suffering. This does not only result the spiritual happiness of the dead relatives but also maintain Buddhism. The belief in the rites of the ninth lunar month festival can be divided into 4 aspects:   

                   (1)The belief in ghosts is a secret matter after death. They show their supernatural power to be seen as persons or animals. They can be differently called by local names as the nature of the death or as the duties of the ghosts such as home spirit that helps protecting households etc.

                   (2)The belief in merit deed. Merit is a spiritual matter. All the good and evil deeds have their own results. The good deeds help purifying a quality mind. In Buddhism, good deed is called “merit deed”. Making merit is always accompanied with wholeheartedly giving things to others without expecting any return. There are 10 aspects of materials giving in Buddhism. The merit deed may not sooner return to the giver but it helps purifying the giver’s mind and this will result a fortunate life in the following birth.

                   (3)The belief in what will happen after death; Buddhists believe that death and birth are endless cycles by the laws of karma.

                   (4)The belief in paying gratitude to ancestors; According to Buddhism, gratitude is the symbol of a merit one. The gratitude towards one’s supporters is in line with the religious practice as social norms. Gratitude also helps lifting human spirit and creating unity that enhance a peaceful social cohesion.

    3)To study the influence of the rites in the ninth lunar month festival among the northeastern people; On the thirteenth waning moon day of the ninth lunar month, villagers prepare foods, desserts, fruits, betel, tobaccos or other favorites of the dead relatives. The foods is divided into 4 portions; the first portion is for the present family members, the second is for living relatives, the third is for the dead relatives and the fourth is for giving alms to monks. The portion for the dead relatives is wrapped by banana leaves and divided into packages of foods, desserts or fruits, and betel and tobaccos. In the early morning of the fourteenth waning moon day, all the prepared packages are laid on the ground or the foot of big trees in temples. Candles and incenses are also lighted for telling the dead relatives to accept the offerings. Then in the same morning, the portion for giving alms is offered to monks as dedication to the dead relatives. This festival is also cultivated among younger generations to be aware that if their parents or relatives pass away, they should practice the festival to pay gratitude for the elders and to create the consciousness of social cohesion among the living relatives in the family which is one of the most important pillars of society.