Identity And Cultural Landscape Of The Community Along The Hueang River, Loei Province

Abstract

The research entitled Identity and Cultural Landscape of the Community along the Hueang River, Loei Province was aimed at studying the identity and cultural landscape of the community along the Hueang River, Loei Province, using qualitative research to collect the data from relevant documents and research and interviews with the key informants, casual informants, and general informants in the research area. The research results are as follows.

            The identity of the community along the Hueang River, Loei Province, consisted of the cultural patterns in 1) local history, 2) beliefs and religion, 3) ceremonies and rituals, 4) language, and 5) arts. These patterns were influenced by the Lao in Luang Prabang through the relationship and surroundings of the community along the Hueang River that formed their culture through accumulations and inheritance. The study of the cultural landscape of the community along the Hueang River, Loei Province, provided two aspects. First, the concrete aspect, which can be divided into 1) components of the beliefs and religious areas, consisting of Sri Khun Mueang Temple, Mahathat Temple, Tha Khok Temple, Chao Por Pak Hueang Shrine, Phra That Si Song Rak, Sri Pho Chai Temple, Pho Chai Temple, and Phra That Manao Diao, 2) components of the housings and constructions, consisting of Chiang Khan Walking Street and Chiang Khan Skywalk, 3) components of the natural environment and community cultural areas, consisting of Phu I Lert, Nam Hueang Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, Phu Kao Ngom, and Ban Mueang Phrae relief point. Second, the abstract aspect, which includes 1) components of the traditions, consisting of Ban Saeng Pha Flower Parade Tradition, Phra That Din Tan Celebration Tradition,  Thai-Lao Songkran tradition, Ban Mueang Phrae Phi Ta Khon Tradition, Phra That Si Song Rak Tradition, Chao Poh Pak Hueang Celebration Tradition, Ban Ahi Flower Tree Procession Tradition, and the Salt Boiling Tradition at Ban Mueang Phrae, and 2) components of the rituals, consisting of Hor Luang Celebration Ritual.