The Poi Awk Hwa Para Long Meung: The Tai Yai People’s Faithful Tradition of Merit-Making at the End of Buddhist Lent

Abstract

This academic article explores the Poi Awk Hwa Para Long Meung tradition as a Buddhist ritual that embodies the faith and cultural identity of the Tai Yai people, particularly in the context of Wan Ouk Phansa. The study relies on a combination of documentary research and cultural analysis, drawing from academic texts, research studies, and information about the customs and practices of the Tai Yai community. The findings indicate that this tradition originates from Buddhist folklore, particularly the Buddha’s return from the Heaven of the Thirty-Three Gods on Ouk Phansa Day. This narrative has been systematically passed down and integrated into the Tai Yai community’s religious rituals and beliefs over time, most notably in the construction of “Jong Para,” a symbolic centerpiece for welcoming the Buddha and serving as a focal point for religious observances. Alongside this, activities such as almsgiving, lighting oil lamps, and culturally vibrant parades evidence the central Buddhist ethos, emphasizing merit-making and the bond between the sacred and humanity. Additionally, the Poi Awk Hwa Para Long Meung tradition functions as a social tool, bringing the community together, fostering solidarity, and generating social capital. It also serves as an avenue for intergenerational cultural transmission, particularly by involving younger members of the community in shared experiential learning. However, in a world experiencing profound economic, social, and cultural shifts, the tradition must evolve to preserve its core values while staying relevant to the modern era. The article emphasizes that maintaining the significance and continuity of the Poi Awk Hwa Para Long Meung tradition in contemporary Thai society will depend on strategies such as integrating local wisdom, strengthening community involvement, and introducing innovative formats for participation, ensuring its sustainability and meaningful legacy.