A STUDY OF THE RICE BLESSING CEREMONY: ADAPTATION IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN AGRICULTURE

Abstract

This article aims to study the rice blessing ceremony as an important tradition in Thai society in the past by analyzing the adaptation of the tradition in the context of modern agriculture. The study was conducted through historical and anthropological documents, along with field research to conduct interviews and participant observation. The results showed that many communities continue the rice blessing ceremony even in the era of decreased rice farming by human labor. Originally, this tradition was performed to boost the morale of farmers and for agricultural productivity. However, today there are additional goals to preserve traditions, promote tourism, and maintain community culture. The rice blessing ceremony, therefore, still exists amid changes, but there have been modifications in its form and function to suit the changing social and economic contexts.