Castle of the Hatsadiling and Lanna Beliefs

Abstract

This academic article has 2 objectives. namely. 1. to study the origin and history of the
Hatsadiling bird; 2. to study the Lanna beliefs in the funeral ceremonies of senior monks. This
document-based article shows that the Hatsadiling is a bird in Thai literature with the body of a
bird. the head of a lion. a trunk. tusks. and the strength of 5 elephants. Its red flesh is the meat
and vehicle of a man of merit. This Lanna tradition of funeral ceremonies has deep roots in the
way of life of the northern people over hundreds of years. When a person dies. a funeral
ceremony must be held in memory of the deceased person. appropriate to his status. The
funeral ceremonies of Lanna people differ from those of other regions. in that a castle is built to
house the body. decorated with fresh or dried flowers so as to look beautiful. in order to exalt
the deceased person to rise up into the heavenly realms.