Nisa Malanont, Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences, Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University
Abstract
From the past to the present, Thais have believed in their religion and traditions they so much that they have become part of the social and religious systems of Thailand. Thai peoples lives have been related to two main beliefs from cradle to grave. Interestingly, the traditions related to death are comprised of various significant procedures. One of which is that of the Abhidhamma Chanting ceremony which is performed by Buddhist monks. This ceremony is intentionally performed to transfer merit to the dead. Simultaneously, it is also known to be a sophisticated policy to warn those who are still alive lead their life wisely. When the Abhidhamma Chanting ceremony is over, most participants leave. Those who remain around the vicinity of the funeral ceremony are only watchers of the deceased or the corpse companions as well as a number of cooks. To alleviate their grief and fear and to increase the number of friends of the deceased, Suad Kaluehas or Suad Kahad chanted by laymen is performed to serve the aforementioned purposes. This kind of chanting is emphasized by making jokes with various gags and wisecracks. The performers of householder chanting will enjoyably imitate the monks chanting which is considered as the main purpose. To sum up, Suad Kaluehas is the origin of joke performance in Thailand. It is also an evolution of the Jum-oud as well as the various kinds of present jokes.
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