Unveiling ancient beliefs about traditional rituals. The ritual of worshiping the Spirit Lady and the local guardian spirit. Before launching the royal ceremony boat into the water, we delve into the rituals of tying colorful cloths, anointing the boat, and inviting the Four Directional Deities for blessings to ensure auspiciousness before the royal barge procession.
Preparing for the royal barge procession involves more than just boat maintenance; according to ancient beliefs, an essential element is the "worship ceremony" conducted for auspiciousness.
The worship of the local guardian spirit is a ritual demonstrating respect and reverence toward the spirit believed to protect and watch over the location.
Of particular interest from a belief perspective is the chanting to invoke the merits of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, along with Brahma and other deities. Additionally, the Four Great Kings, rulers of the four cardinal directions, are invited to preside over the ceremony site to increase its sanctity and sacredness.
Thais have traditionally believed that every boat houses a "Spirit Lady of the boat" who resides to protect and shield from all dangers. Before setting out or using the boat, it is customary to perform a worship ceremony to honor the Spirit Lady for auspiciousness and to boost the morale of the crew.
During the worship and offering ceremony to the Spirit Lady, the naval commander performs meaningful auspicious rites, including
Overall, the worship ceremony of the local guardian spirit and the offerings to the Spirit Lady of the royal ceremony boat blend religious beliefs and reverence for sacred entities according to ancient customs. The ritual includes invoking the Four Great Kings of the cardinal directions and conducting the boat anointing and colorful cloth tying rites to bring auspiciousness and uplift the crew's morale before embarking on the important royal barge procession.