Basic HTML Version
สาขาวรรณกรรมพื้
นบ้
าน
มรดกภู
มิ
ปั
ญญาทางวั
ฒนธรรม
64
The myth of Dao Luk Kai
- the tale of
the Pleiades - is a story that explains the origin of the
Pleiades and provides the reason why the star has
seven members. It serves as a moral lesson teaching
gratefulness to one’s parents. The story tells of a hen
and her brood of seven chicklings that sacrificed their
lives so that the old couple who raised them could
make a meal for the monk. Because of this good deed,
their spirits or souls rose into the sky and became
the seven stars of Dao Luk Kai (The Chicklings
Constellation) or “Kattika” - the Pleiades.
The story of the Pleiades i s widespread
in the central, northern and northeastern regions of
Thailand. Its popularity owes much to the fact that
the story was transmitted in the form of lyrical song.
In the North, the Chang So or folk singers often
sing of Dao Wi Kai Noi story in the social gatherings,
celebrations, religious rituals or festivals in order
to teach a moral lesson to the younger generation
and advise them to maintain good conduct, refrain
from bad deeds.
The Dao Luk Kai song that was written and sung
by Phon Phirom contributed greatly to the popularity
of the story.
The Myth of Dao Luk Kai
O Poor Mother Hen!
With tears in her eyes, she gave
a moral lesson to her brood.
Came morning, Grandpa cut her throat.
Her blood splattered all over the henhouse.
Heart-wrenched, the seven chicklings jumped
into the fire to die with their mother.
Because of the purity of their heart,
they reincarnated as a constellation.