Fomicheva Elena

The Historical, Cultural, and Religious Significance of the Elephant in Thai Society

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2021, №1(50), 220-231

 
Annotation: In this paper the author considers the cultural and historical phenomenon of the elephant in the life of the Thais as a manifestation of coexistence of nature and man. The role of the State policy in preserving the Indian elephant population in Thailand and in educating the people to respect the elephant and its cults is emphasized. The researcher focuses on the Hindu origin of the mystical cult of the elephant. The phenomenon of worship of the deity Eravana, Ganesha, and the white elephant is considered.

Keywords: Thailand, culture, religious beliefs, Buddhism, Hinduism, sacred elephant