An Analysis of Female Characters Related to Ritual Fires in Thai Traditional Dancing by Using the Celtic Wheel Theory

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze the female characters related to ritual fire in Thai Traditional Dancing by using the Celtic wheel theory by studying from documents, textbooks, and observing from the performance of female characters with the use of ritual fire in Khon performances. The data was analyzed in two points; 1) The history of female character involved in the ritual fire. The female characters; Sida, Srimala, Manohra and Dorsa who had difference purposes of using a ritual fire depending on the storyline, religion and culture, and 2) An analysis of female characters to comparing female characters with animals in each wheel in Celtic wheel theory; bull, eagle, rat and bear. To find out the personality in each situation of the story that involve ritual fire. The results of the study were as follows: 1) Sida had the most rat-like character because she was a good-hearted, honest, and caring person, 2)Srimala had the most bull-like character because she was a person who is brave, enterprising, and venturous to accomplish her intention, 3) Manohra had the most eagle-like character because she was had freedom to live, and 4)Dorsa had the most bull-like character like Srimala because she was resolute and courageous to commit suicide according to the customary husband which must be strictly adhered to do.

          From the analysis, all 4 female characters was similar and differ depending on the background, environment, society and religion of each character. The study of characters analysis by using Celtic wheel theory can makes us understand more about all 4 of female characters.