Beliefs and Rituals Regarding Death of Hua Phai Catholic Community In Chonburi and Chachoengsao Provinces

Abstract

This research aims to study beliefs and rituals regarding death in the Hua Phai Catholic community. Using document and field research methods, the results found that the Hua Phai Catholic community believes that human life is connected to God from birth until death. There are beliefs about the present life and life after death, including the law of karma, heaven, hell, and purgatory. Death rituals include the anointing of the dying and funerals, which are led by a priest. A mass is celebrated at home or at church according to the wishes of the deceased's relatives. The body is then buried in a Roman Catholic cemetery at Saint Philip and Saint Jacob Church, Hua Phai. This community has maintained a registry of deceased persons since the past. There are four types of records: Christians who died in the precepts and blessings of the priest, infants of Christians in the community, non-Christians who were baptized at the point of death, and infants of non-Christians who were baptized on the brink of death. The cemetery blessing is a ceremony that expresses gratitude to the ancestors. It is an annual event organized by the Hua Phai Catholic community during Lent. It is a time for family gatherings to make merit, dedicate merit to ancestors, and meet each other. The beliefs and rituals regarding death clearly reflect the cultural identity of this community.