Precious Traditions and Ways of Life| 45
Tham Khwan
Khao Tradition
Faith of the Golden Field
Before seedlings grow into golden rice ready for harvest, they depend on
fertile land and continuous care for more than four months. Morale and strength of
rice farmers is crucial to withstand the change of nature that could occur anytime
during the cultivation. Tham Khwan Khao (Rice Blessing) Tradition is not just a ritual
for worshipping Mae Phosop (Rice Goddess) of Thai farmers to protect the fragile
rice. It is, however, the integration of the faith of all members in the community that
will enable the smooth cultivation and harvest.
Because rice has been the main food and plant that feeds Thai people since
the ancient times, its importance is comparable to a sacred thing to be respected.
It is also believed that rice is the only crop that has morale and being protected by
sanctity called Mae Khwan Khao or Mae Phosop (Rice Goddess) who protects the
rice to keep growing well. If Khwan Khao does not stay with rice, it will not thrive
and will not produce completely fertile yields. Therefore, rice farmers must treat
rice with gratitude. Whenever there is a change in rice, such as pregnant rice or
harvesting rice, farmers must seek rice’s forgiveness every time.
Tham Khwan Khao is the wisdom and belief of all Thai people, in order to live
together and respect the nature. It is also a ritual in response to psychological needs
which help build the morale of Thai farmers. Rice rituals in Thailand are divided into
3 stages: before cultivation, during cultivation, and after cultivation when get the
yields. However, there are different ways of practices based on each of the regions.
The Central and Southern regions hold the Tham Khwan Khao many times after the
panicles of rice have formed and begin to swell like a pregnant woman, also known
as Khao Khad Hang Platoo. Tham Khwan Khao is performed again when harvesting
grains, moving them in the yard, and relocating them into the barn. In contrast, the
Northern and Northeastern farmers would perform Tham Khwan Khao rituals during
the harvest and when moving rice to the barn.
“ During the period of rice
pregnant in the paddy field,
farmers will bring a bite of
banana, peanut, sesame and
orange into a basket together
with one piece of betel nut and
betel leaf to perform a Tham
Khwan Khao ritual to worship
Mae Phosop. According to the
belief, rice grains will not fall,
while worms and insects will
not invade, and it will lead to
fertile yields. ”