The Cultural Interpretation Of "Phra Lor Chasing A Rooster" In Lilit Phra Lor

“Phra Lor chasing a rooster” is a meaningful plot in Lilit Phra Lor,a Thai classic ballad composed in Thai Ayutthaya Dynasty(1350-1767).Unfortunately,in China,the study of Lilit Phra Lor is still rare at present.In the academic circle of Thailand,there are only a few scholars study that plot so far.Based on these,this paper aims to reveal the underlying meanings of “Phra Lor chasing a rooster” by using Northrop Frye’s theory of archetypal criticism and some research materials of ethnology and folklore.Field investigation were also used in this study.This thesis consists of three parts: introduction,main parts and conclusion.Introduction: mainly explains the outline and the research status of Lilit Phra Lor.Sources,Research purposes and significances of this subject are also illustrated in this part.The text focuses on the cultural implications of “Phra Lor chasing a rooster”,the cultural meanings and origins of the symbol “rooster”.Chapter 1 discusses the motif of that plot at first.After that,guided by Frye’s Myth and Archetypal criticism,the prototypes of that plot were discovered: Magic object found,Magic object draws person to it,Magic object conquered by visible force,Love induced by magic.These prototypes show that ancient Thai people have uxorilocal marriage tradition.Meanwhile,they also imply that Phra Lor intended to cheer his soldiers up through chasing the cock by himself.He also wished to use the cock to practice divination again,to worship the Earth God and pray for his/her blessings.The “rooster” is the most important animal image of that plot.Therefore,the second and the third Chapters center on analyzing the cultural meanings and the origins of that symbol.Chapter 2 illustrates that the “rooster” is not only symbol of punctuality,diligence and love,but also the land god.With the help of information obtained through field investigation and research materials of ethnology,folklore and history,Chapter 3 expounds that the “rooster” derives from Thai ancestors’ pheasant belief and the cockfighting trends of mid-late Ayutthaya Dynasty.Conclusion: Based on traditional Thai culture,“Phra Lor chasing a rooster” suggests that Thai people stand in awe of the unpredictable nature and the powerful supernatural beings.They follow an animist religion as well.This conclusion benefits foreigners who want to advance their knowledge and understanding of Thai custom and culture.It also plays a vital role in the intercultural communication and cooperation between foreigners and Thai people.