Written by Mekong Institute

A study on the beliefs and rituals of Khwan in Tai Khoen in Kengtung, Shan State, reflects the relationship of the beliefs, rituals, the way of life, and the social systems in Tai Khoen group. This paper aims to create an understanding of the importance of the belief systems. Khwan is a traditional custom that the Tai ethnic groups share until today. This research made use of a qualitative approach study. The researcher collected the data from four Tai Khoen villages in Kengtung, Shan State which are: Phakham village, Nongla village, Nonghong village (or Nongcha village) and Nongbua village. The researcher collected the data about belief and rituals that concern with Khwan from the target group involved with the culture and rituals on Khwan of Tai Khoen, Kengtung, Shan State. They are the Tai Khoenmonks, Khwan ritual master,Khwan owner in the ritual, people who take part in the ritual, and the Kopaga group committee. This study showed that the roles and functions of Khwan play an important part in Tai Khoen groups social systems and in their culture because of the following reasons: emotional responses, community unity, cultural identity, moral, and education in Tai Khoen community. However, the beliefs and rituals of Khwan in Tai Khoen Community have undergone inevitable change due to society, politics, economy, culture, and in general the way of life.