Walailak University Develops and Conducts Training Course on “The Creation of Religious Offerings (Money and Gold Trees)”
Walailak University, through its project on documenting and preserving the creation of religious offerings for Phra Borommathat Chedi in Nakhon Si Thammarat, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Pairoj Nuannoom, a lecturer in the Bachelor of Economics program at the School of Accounting and Finance, has partnered with the Nakhon Si Thammarat College of Dramatic Arts to develop and conduct a training course on “The Creation of Religious Offerings (Money and Gold Trees).” This training builds upon in-depth knowledge of crafting religious offerings for Phra Borommathat Chedi. The workshop was held from February 21-26, 2024, at Wat Chantharam, Thawang Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and featured expert speakers such as Surachet Kaewsakul, an independent scholar from The Library at Nakorn; Lieutenant Piyachat Kaewmani, a lecturer at Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Jintana Anuwat, a lecturer at Salaya College of Dramatic Arts.
The workshop consisted of three key parts: (1) understanding the types and uses of religious offerings, specifically money and gold trees, including the fundamental principles of creating and designing offerings, shapes, and elements; (2) learning about the materials and equipment used in crafting these offerings, including decoration, strengthening techniques, sourcing materials, and their limitations, as well as storage; and (3) hands-on practice in creating money and gold trees, including wire twisting, shaping, drawing and cutting metal sheets, decorating flower petals and leaves, and assembling them into the final design.
The training was attended by over 20 participants, some continuously and others during specific sessions. On the occasion of Makha Bucha Day (Saturday, February 24, 2024), the participants, along with the instructors, researchers, and project advisors, presented their offerings, which were part of the project, to Phra Borommathat Chedi as an inaugural tribute at Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Phra Methiwachiraphirat, the ecclesiastical governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and Phra Khru Hemachetibhanon, the assistant abbot of the temple, led the procession around Phra Borommathat Chedi, offering blessings to the participants.
The project’s objectives are to (1) document and preserve the creation of religious offerings made from metal flowers and trees, (2) revitalize the tradition of making these offerings as tributes to Phra Borommathat Chedi, and (3) revive the ceremonial offering of religious artifacts to Phra Borommathat Chedi.
This project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, specifically addressing Indicator 11.2.6: the documentation and preservation of folk art and cultural heritage. It also supports Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, particularly Indicator 17.2.1: fostering global partnerships to achieve sustainable development.