AN ANALYSIS OF THE PHI FA RITUAL DANCE: DIMENSIONS OF HEALING AND BELIEF IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze the ritual of the Blue Ghost Dance, a healing ritual that involves the belief in spirits, by examining the relationship between ritual, belief system, and the existence of people in the community. Data was collected through participant observation and in-depth interviews. The results showed that the Phi Fa ritual dance plays an important role as a mechanism for both physical and mental healing, as well as a space for maintaining the cultural identity of local communities. However, under the changing currents of modern Thai society, this ritual faces challenges from the decline in successors. Therefore, creating understanding and giving value to local wisdom is an important approach to conserving and perpetuating this invaluable cultural heritage for existence.