Title : SELF-AWARENESS OF LUANG PHRABANG LAONESS IN THAILAND: A CASE STUDY OF MYTH AND RITUAL

Author(s) : Bourin Wungkeeree

Pages : 91-105

Abstract in English : This article offers a study of Lao people who migrated from Luang Phrabang to settle in Thailand, especially at Amphoe Lom Kao and Lom Sak, Phetchabun Province and Amphoe Dan Sai, Loei Province. These migrants have maintained their self-awareness as Luang Phrabang Lao by transmitting their own folk literature?€” for instance, local legends and hero tales, and rituals. Such ethnic transmission has been interpreted as an important mechanism for ethnic maintenance. Repeatedly reproduced in a discourse of myth telling in the context of spirit offering rituals, this transmission helps the community realize and remember that they are from Luang Phrabang, Lanxang, which was once a prosperous Buddhist centre in ancient times.