Mottos and beliefs about the ascending of the 4 gods of the people in the Huai Ma community

Abstract

The beliefs of the people in Huai Ma community, Mueang Phrae district, Phrae province, consist of 4 aspects: 1) The belief in the sacredness of the 4 gods, which is a sacred ceremony that helps protect the area in the house, including the residents, to be safe, protect family members, property, and help inspire happiness. The 4 gods or angels have influence on ghosts, demons, and all kinds of evil. One important goal of the 4 gods ceremony is to believe that the 4 gods will be able to protect ghosts and demons from entering the area of ​​the house because the 4 gods are considered gods with supernatural power and the power to make ghosts and demons afraid. 2) The belief in auspiciousness, which is found that before doing any auspicious activities according to the beliefs of the people in Huai Ma community, the 4 gods will be raised first to inform the 4 gods or the guardian angels of the house first, to create confidence in the upcoming business. The 4 gods raising ceremony will be held at auspicious events such as housewarming ceremonies, Poy Luang ceremonies, religious permanent object celebrations. For good fortune and to prevent various dangers 3) Beliefs in protection from danger It was found that the 4 gods or 4 angels who are responsible for protecting the 4 directions, namely Thao Kuvera, Thao Wirunhok, Thao Thatarat, Thao Wirunpak, as well as Phra-In and Phra Mae Thorani, are deities with great sacredness that can protect and save from dangers or ghosts that may harm people within the house. This is because they are deities with great power, followers and charisma. When the ceremony to enshrine the 4 gods is performed, it will help protect from dangers, both dangers from ghosts and demons, bad things and inauspicious things. 4) Beliefs in gratitude It was found that in addition to helping protect the people in the house and creating auspiciousness, this ceremony also shows gratitude to the guardian angels as the protectors of the house to create peace.