The Interpretation of Miang Tea to the International Level for Mapping Agro-Tourism Routes

Chao Luang Pa Miang Shrine and Lanna Rite

 

"Chao Luang Pa Miang Shrine is highly respected by the local community.

The spirit is believed to be one of the ancient Nan governors

who visited the Huai Luang Forest and helped develop its

society, culture, and economy, especially on the Miang tea plantation,

stimulating the prosperity of the locals up until the present."

                                      Department of National Parks,

                                      Wildlife and Plant Conservation

 

          After his death, his spirit is still believed to be protecting both the locals and the environment in the area. During new year, the medium of Chao Luang Pa Miang would be there in a Sadohkroh ceremony which is held to ward off any bad fortune. According to legend, there are many names of Chao Luang Pa Miang; namely, Chao Luang Kam Phan, Chao Luang Kam Kiaw, or Chao Luang Kam Krueng. Along with firecracker lighting, chanting, and Sompoi water (acacia concina) preparation, locals would bring some clothes for Chao Luang Pa Miang medium to choose as he prefers. This ceremony has been continuously performed for generations as it is believed to be protecting the local and help them live their peaceful, prosperous lives.

          In February of each year, locals in Huay Luang stream and Srinapan-Tawaen villagers hold a ceremony called Sueb Chata for Huay Luang forest and stream. The ceremony is one of the northern Thai ceremonies and wisdoms inherited for centuries with the belief that if people protect the nature, the nature would protect them back. Their faith and harmony are seen during the ceremony preparation. One of the key symbols of this Sueb Chata ceremony would be the 109 two-fork sticks called the Sali sticks or Mai Kham Sali, gathered and bundled together at the tips with holy ceremonial thread, and put at the central ground. This thread is then linked into the forest, the stream, and all of the ceremony attendants. This ceremony is considered to bring luck to the people, the forest, and the stream to continue being fruitful and prosperous.