Creation of Isaan Local Melodies from the Rituals and Beliefs of the Heet Sip Song Tradition
Authors: Pidsayo Khunanon , Wongkhamchan Kritsada , Wongphongkham Niyom 
Published: June 2024

The objective of the research on Isaan local melodies from rituals and beliefs in Heet Sip Song was to study rituals and beliefs in Heet Sip Song to create melodies. This research is qualitative research. The researcher has collected information from studies, related documents, and research, and interviewed experts in the Heet Sip Song tradition on the three following topics: 1) rituals 2) beliefs 3) melodies from rituals and beliefs. The data from each monthly Heet Sip Song tradition was classified and used to create melodies. The topics for the melody compositions were as follows: 1) Composing the melody by using the semiotic theory to extract the melodies from the rituals and beliefs in the Heet Sip Song tradition and using them as inspiration to create melodies for the song. The melodies consist of the following, 1) Boon Khao Kam melody (samadhi), 2) Boon Khun Lan melody (Su Khwan Khao), 3) Boon Khao Jee melody (offering Khao Jee to monks), 4) Boon Duan See melody (Hae Phawet), 5) Boon Duan Ha melody (Hod Sangha), 6) Boon Duan Hok melody (offering fire rockets), 7) Boon Duan Jed (Boon Berk Baan) 8) Boon Duan Pad (offering Buddhist Lent candles), 9) Boon Duan Kao Khao Pradub Din (rice wrappings), 10) Boon Duan Sip Khao Sak (waiting for the rice), 11) Boon Duan Sip Ed (mettajit), and 12) Boon Duan Sip Song (Kathina parade). The research objective was to study the melodies of Isaan folk music from rituals and beliefs in Heet Sip Song. The research tools included a preliminary survey, non-participant observation, structured and non-structured interviews, and focus group discussion. The research area covered four provinces in the Northeastern region, consisting of Khon Kaen Province, Roi Et Province, Kalasin Province, and Ubon Ratchathani Province. The data were collected from the field studied from three key informants, three casual informants, and five general informants. The data were verified by the analysis based on the research objectives and presented using descriptive analysis. Data collection covered a period of 1 year and 6 months. The research results found that: Rituals are related to beliefs since the actions within the rituals are based on the beliefs, no matter what type of beliefs they are. There are two types of rituals in Thai society: common rituals, which have similar patterns of action throughout the country, and local rituals, which have patterns of actions that are unique to a particular locality. However, the elements of both types of rituals are the same, including the actions that were based on the belief, that the master of the ceremonies or rituals is used as a method or means created by humans according to their beliefs of ghosts, spirits, deities, including religious beliefs. Rituals performed by making an offering of something powerful inspire and ensure that humans will achieve their beliefs and faith more concretely. Create an atmosphere of calm and a sense of sacredness during rituals relate to individuals and groups. Humans and animals live in society, possessing compassion and kindness towards one another. Therefore, rituals are meaningful and play an important role in society and the daily life of humans. After being continuously practiced, it became a "tradition".