"Nora Rong Khru" This ritual and belief have been passed down through generations, involving the invitation of "ancestor spirits" who bestowed the Nora art—southern Thailand's traditional folk performance—to return to their descendants. It is a solemn ceremony showing respect to deceased ancestors and includes the ritual of "cutting the vow" or fulfilling promises made, representing more than just a common religious practice.
What has allowed this belief and ritual to be preserved over many generations? Follow the See True mission "Bringing You the Truth" as they visit southern Thailand's Nakhon Si Thammarat province to participate in the "Nora Rong Khru" ceremony. It is believed that the Nora masters and ancestral spirits are sacred guardians protecting those of Nora descent, possessing power that can bring blessings or misfortune to their descendants.
The team traveled to a house in the Mueang district of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The household and relatives had been facing difficulties including accidents, debt, and illness. They arranged the Nora Rong Khru ceremony, with Chanon Preechachan, a Nora master, acting as the medium between the human and spirit worlds. The ceremony involved inviting the ancestor spirits to possess descendants. Following the ancestral offerings, hosts and guests watched a Nora performance by Chanon’s troupe.
The ceremony’s host, Theeraphong Manopsin, recounted that his grandmother experienced unusual symptoms while bedridden—she suddenly started performing Nora dances. Each time they petitioned the Nora master or made a vow, their requests were granted. All problems were surprisingly resolved successfully.
Then the main ritual began. Descendants acting as mediums, covered with cloth over their heads, entered the school hall. Over about half an hour, the Nora master and ancestor spirits—including a grandmother who had recently passed—possessed multiple mediums, including Theeraphong, the grandson.
Once the ancestor spirits possessed the mediums, they entered the home to see the room where they once lived, their appearance resembling elderly figures. It is believed the spirit was that of the deceased grandmother. Within the ritual hall, this crucial moment allowed descendants to converse with their departed ancestors once more, sharing feelings of longing and concern. Some attendees were moved to tears.
Theeraphong, the grandson, confirmed,"It felt like my grandmother, since after she passed, we hadn't spoken or said goodbye. Meeting again made all the descendants happy. When the ancestral master possessed me, I felt like crying, hearing my own sobs. Afterwards, I remembered some things and forgot others. I felt honored on behalf of the masters and the descendants. It was like a family reunion, bringing children and grandchildren home from afar to gather and honor the masters."
Similarly, Nora master Chanon said the ritual allows descendants to ask about unresolved issues or misfortunes. The Nora master communicates the answers so descendants can address them. The village's purpose in performing Nora Rong Khru is to pay homage to the sacred entities residing in the home, a reverence passed down through generations to honor ancestors who have passed away.
"Nora Rong Khru is sacred. Descendants who make vows and worship receive blessings. They can request things they cannot obtain elsewhere. Descendants believe Nora grants both benefits and punishments. Those who abandon or neglect performing rituals may face family problems or illness, with some becoming seriously ill," said the Nora master. Nora master Chanon spoke about the ritual's sacredness.
Built on the faith and devotion of the Nora Rong Khru ritual, it intertwines art, culture, and lifestyle, linking ancestors with descendants through a mystical charm. This is why Nora Rong Khru continues to be passed down through time. Hidden within the ritual is the cultivation of family bonds, helping descendants understand their roots, express gratitude, and remember departed forebears.
The Nora ritual, or Nora Rong Khru, can be seen as the foundation or origin of the Nora performing art known today, which combines dance and performance for entertainment. In 2021, UNESCO recognized "Nora" as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity to encourage its preservation and continuation. Follow #SpecialReport and the See True mission "Bringing You the Truth," as they verify and investigate every truth, every Saturday at 6 p.m. on Thairath TV Channel 32.
