Abstract

This is a research and development investigation to enhance tourism in Northern Thailand with religious and spiritual storytelling. Local communities in the Chiang Mai area were purposively selected, and research informants were identified to provide data through interviews regarding the spiritual nature of traditional Lanna handicrafts. This information was then used to develop short animations retelling the religious narratives associated with the Lanna calendrical rituals. Three symbolic objects were found to best reflect Lanna traditions and provide suitable narratives for religious storytelling. These three products were: 1) Tung, a decorative and symbolic flag used in numerous Lanna festivals; 2) Khom, lanterns used in the Yi Peng festival; and 3) Pang prateep, ceramic candleholders also used in the Yi Peng festival and other religious ceremonies. Results revealed that tourism has added economic value to the local spiritual symbols, but has diluted their original religious meaning.