Menora (dance)

Nora, dance drama in southern Thailand
Nora, dance drama in southern Thailand
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Country	Thailand
Reference	01587
Region	Asia and the Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription	2021 (16th session)
List	Representative

Manora
Native name	Manora (Thai)
Etymology	Thai: มโนราห์, romanized: Manora
Instrument(s)	drums, gongs, cymbals and wooden clappers
Inventor	Siamese
Origin	Southern Thailand

Menora or Manora (มโนราห์, pronounced [mā.nōː.rāː]), sometimes shortened as Nora (โนรา, pronounced [nōː.rāː]) is traditional Siamese theatrical, musical, and acrobatic dance performance originated from the southern regions of Thailand.^[1] Having similar plots adopted from Jataka tales of Manohara, this kind of performance is related to the Lakhon chatri (ละครชาตรี), another Siamese arts performance originating from central Thailand. Over five hundred years old, Nora is performed in Thailand's local community centres and at temple fairs and cultural events, and is passed on through training by masters in homes, community organizations and educational institutions.^[1] In Malaysia, the practice of Menora has significantly declined since it has been banned by the government of Kelantan, which considers this kind of cultural performance as haram (lit. ‘forbidden’)^[2] for being involved with polytheism.^[3]

In 2021, Nora was officially recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.^[1]

Mythology

One of the notable legends associated with the origins of the Southern Thai performance art known as Nora (or Menora) is a narrative attributed to National Artist Yoke Choobua of Songkhla Province. The story was documented through oral history by Associate Professor Saroch Nakavirot and provides insight into the mythological foundations of the Nora tradition.

Phraya Saifa Fat, the ruler of Wiang Bang Kaew during the 8th - 9th century.

According to the legend, there once existed a kingdom ruled by a monarch named Phraya Saifa Fat (translated as "Lord Thunderbolt"). His consort was Lady Sri Dokmai, and together they had a daughter named Lady Nuanthong Samli, who was raised under the care of four attendants: Mother Khaen-on, Mother Phao, Mother Mao Khluen, and Mother Yod Tong.

As Nuanthong Samli matured into a young woman, the deity Indra dispatched a celestial being to be incarnated in her womb. When her pregnancy became visibly apparent, Phraya Saifa Fat imprisoned her within the palace in an attempt to conceal the situation. However, when this was no longer possible, he ordered that she and her four attendants be cast adrift on a raft. The raft eventually came ashore at Koh Kachang (Kachang Island), where the group took refuge.

In due time, Nuanthong Samli gave birth to a son, whom she named Ajit Kumar. As he grew older, Ajit Kumar taught himself the art of dance, often practicing alone by the water, using his reflection as a guide. He eventually became highly proficient and decided to leave the island with his mother's blessing, traveling to perform his dances across various locales.

His talent gained widespread acclaim and eventually came to the attention of Phraya Saifa Fat, who summoned the young dancer to the royal court. Struck by the youth’s resemblance to his daughter Nuanthong Samli, the ruler questioned him and discovered that Ajit Kumar was, in fact, his own grandson. Deeply impressed by both his heritage and his artistic skill, the king conferred upon him the honorific title Khun Si Sattha (“Lord of True Devotion”) and presented him with ceremonial dancer’s regalia, including the taret (headdress), tap suang (pectoral), sangwan (chest chain), hang hong (swan-tail garment), armbands, bracelets, pan neung (waistbelt), and other traditional ornaments.

The king then ordered that Nuanthong Samli be brought back to the city. Before reentering the court, she was housed at the outskirts and subjected to a ritual of purification (sadejakhro), which lasted three days and two nights, from Wednesday to Friday. This rite was presided over by Phraya Saifa Fat himself and later became institutionalized as a standard ceremonial practice in the Nora tradition. The ritual is known as “Nora Rong Khru” (“Entering the Master’s House”) and comprises components such as vow fulfillment, topknot-cutting, and headdress initiation (krob teret). It remains a critical spiritual and formal aspect of Nora training and performance today.

Following the completion of the ritual, Lady Nuanthong Samli was welcomed back into the city. Khun Si Sattha subsequently began teaching the Nora dance to members of the royal court and other noble figures, including Phraya Lui Fai (“Lord of Fire-Walking”), Phraya Thom Nam (“Lord of Water-Splashing”), Ta Luang Sen, and Ta Luang Khong. This dissemination marked the beginning of Nora’s institutional and cultural spread throughout Southern Thailand.

History

The origin of Nora can be traced back to the Malay Peninsula during the Tambralinga period or the Srivijaya era, approximately between the 6th–11th centuries. This was a time when the city of Sathing Phra experienced its height of prosperity, with densely populated communities scattered along the eastern coastline, from Chumphon and Chaiya down to Kelantan, Terengganu, and other coastal towns engaged in maritime trade, extending as far as Sumatra.

During this period, as there were no strict territorial boundaries, the people shared the same religion and ethnic roots, facilitating the transmission of performing arts across the region. Therefore, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact place of origin of traditional Nora. However, according to the legend of Manora Chatri, the dance-drama is believed to have originated in ancient Phatthalung (known as Sathing Paranasi).

Initially, Nora performances were performed exclusively at royal courts before becoming popular among the general populace. The probable birthplace of Nora is thought to be among the group of cities known as the "Twelve Zodiac Cities" (Mueang 12 Naksat/Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom), beginning during the Tambralinga era. Over time, the art form spread to Central Thailand and evolved into a genre known as Lakhon chatri.^[4]

Costume

The Nora costume is the traditional attire worn in the Nora dance, a classical Southern Thai performance art. The outfit is ornate, colorful, and designed to enhance the visual impact of the dance. It is worn by both male and female performers, though some elements are reserved specifically for the main performer (Thai: ตัวยืนเครื่อง or นายโรง).^[5]

Costume Components

Serd (เทริด)

A low, crown-like headpiece worn by the main performer. It features a decorated front frame and often includes sacred thread (ด้ายมงคล). Traditionally, female dancers do not wear the Serd.^[6]

Beaded costume (เครื่องรูปปัด)

A decorative upper-body garment made entirely from colorful beads. It replaces the shirt and consists of five main parts:

Shoulder straps (บ่า) – Worn over each shoulder (2 pieces)
Neck bands (ปิ้งคอ) – Worn around the neck, front and back (2 pieces)
Chest panel (พานอก / พานโครง / รอบอก) – Rectangular beaded cloth wrapped around the chest.^[7]

Swallow wings (ปีกนกแอ่น / ปีกเหน่ง)

Wing-like accessories often made of silver, shaped like a swallow's wings. They are attached to a belt above the hips and extend outward from the sides.^[5]

Chest ornament (ซับทรวง / ทับทรวง / ตาบ)

An ornamental piece worn on the chest, often crafted from silver or beads, sometimes inlaid with gemstones. Reserved for the main performer.^[6]

Rear wings or tail (ปีก / หาง / หางหงส์)

Tail-like structures worn at the back, made from buffalo horn or metal, with bead decorations. They resemble a bird's tail or Kinnari tail.

Pha nung (ผ้านุ่ง)

A long rectangular cloth wrapped tightly around the lower body. The end of the cloth is folded and tucked to form a tail-like shape called Hang Hong (หางหงส์).^[8]^[9]

Leg covers (หน้าเพลา / เหน็บเพลา / หนับเพลา)

Beaded shin guards worn beneath the pha nung, often designed with floral or geometric patterns.

Hanging cloths (ผ้าห้อย)

Colorful pieces of light, transparent cloth hanging from each side of the waist like tassels or flaps.

Front cloth panel (หน้าผ้า)

A decorated cloth attached in front of the pha nung, sometimes beaded or brightly colored, adding flair to the costume.

Armlets (กำไลต้นแขนและปลายแขน)

Brass or metal bracelets worn on the upper and lower arms to add elegance and a sense of strength.

Bracelets (กำไล)

Multiple bracelets made from brass, worn on wrists and ankles (usually 5–10 rings per limb), creating rhythmic sounds as the performer moves.

Fingernail extensions (เล็บ)

Long, curved nails made from brass or silver, sometimes extended with bamboo and beads. Worn on four fingers of each hand (excluding the thumbs).

Phran mask or Hunter mask (หน้าพราน)

A red mask representing the comic character Phran. Carved from wood with a long nose, white teeth, and tufts of white feathers or hair.

Tha Si mask (หน้าทาสี)

A mask worn by female comic characters in the Nora performance. It is crafted to resemble a woman's face and is usually painted white or flesh-colored. The mask may include delicate facial features and is used to convey a humorous or stylized persona.^[7]

Performance

Nora performers showcase their talents through a combination of dancing, singing, choreography, and acting. Each aspect contributes to the overall artistry of the performance.^[10]

Dancing

Performers must demonstrate their skill and expertise by blending various dance movements seamlessly. Each movement should adhere to traditional forms, showcasing agility and the ability to adapt to musical rhythms, whether graceful or energetic.^[11] Some may specialize in specific dance techniques, such as arm movements, flexibility, or intricate steps.

Singing

Actors must exhibit their vocal abilities by delivering lines of poetry with clarity and emotion. They should maintain accurate rhythm, show quick wit in improvisation, and possess strong content delivery, including the ability to engage in call-and-response singing.^[12]

Choreography

Choreography involves interpreting the lyrics through dance, ensuring the movements are diverse and harmoniously aligned with the music. This aspect is considered the pinnacle of Nora art, requiring a deep connection between lyrics and dance that matches the music's rhythm and style.^[13]

Specialized Dance Forms

In addition to general dance and singing skills, performers must train in specific dance forms for particular occasions, such as ritual or competition. Some specialized dances include:

Teacher's dance
First dance
Rhythmic dances with flute or drums
Specific ceremonial dances^[14]

Acting

While traditional Nora performances do not focus on acting, when time permits, performers may include brief skits for entertainment, selecting well-known scenes that require minimal cast (2-3 actors) and emphasizing humor and poetic dialogue in the Nora style.^[15]

Nora Rong Khru Ceremony

The Nora Rong Khru (Thai: โนราโรงครู) is a sacred ritual performance within Southern Thailand’s Nora dance tradition, held to honor the spiritual teachers and ancestral masters who safeguard the art. There are two main types of Nora Rong Khru:

Rong Khru Yai

(Thai: โรงครูใหญ่) This is the full, formal version of the ceremony, typically conducted over three days and two nights. The ritual begins on a Wednesday and concludes on Friday.

The first stage starts at dusk on Wednesday, during a period known as Yam Nok Chum Rang (the time when birds return to their nests). The troupe leader, known as the Nai Rong (Thai: นายโรง), performs the Buek Rong (Opening the Nora Stage) ritual by using betel nuts inscribed with sacred symbols and chanting incantations to request permission from the spiritual guardians and the lineage of teachers.^[17]

Following this, the orchestra plays the Cherd Sam Khra (Thai: การเชิดสามครา) — a ceremonial overture performed three times — as an offering to honor the masters. Then, the troupe performs the Kard Khru (Thai: การกาศครู) ritual, which includes five traditional songs dedicated to praising the ancestral teachers.

On Thursday at around 05:30, the Chak Saeng Thong (ชักแสงทอง) ritual is performed to welcome the new day’s golden light. At noon, the Taeng Phok (แทงพอก) ceremony is held, followed by the recitation of 12 Gamprat (Thai: 12 กำพรัด) verses.

The Tang Baan Tang Mueang (Thai: ตั้งบ้านตั้งเมือง) ceremony establishes a spiritual boundary using symbolic natural elements such as: Imperata grass, Krun grass, Mon grass, Taro leaves, Banyan leaves, Kumcham leaves, Wild lotus, Lotus Khlang, rice grains, gold, silver, a razor blade, a whetstone, and pure water.^[18]

If anyone wishes to undergo the Yieb Sen (Thai: เหยียบเสน) spiritual empowerment ritual, the Racha Khru (Thai: ราชครู) will conduct it.

The troupe performs Ok Phran (Thai:ออกพราน) — a storytelling sequence of twelve episodes — until sunset.

During the night, the Cheua Khru (Thai: เชื้อเชิญครู) ritual is performed, inviting ancestral spirits to descend and possess chosen mediums until dawn on Friday.

On Friday morning, the Woi Hom Rab (Thai: เหวยหมฺรับ) farewell ritual is conducted. Later that day, the Song Khru (Thai: ส่งครู) ceremony formally sends the spirits back, concluding with Nang Nok Jok, Bud Rach, Tat Hemrey, and Plik Sad Khla to complete the ritual cycle.^[19]

This form of the ceremony is traditionally held annually or according to specific vows, every three or five years.

Rong Khru Kam Khru

(Thai: โรงค้ำครู) This is a condensed version of the ceremony, lasting only one day and one night. Typically, it begins on Wednesday evening and concludes on Thursday. Despite the abbreviated form, the purpose of Rong Khru Kam Khru remains the same: to honor the spiritual masters and reaffirm the sacred lineage of Nora practitioners.^[20]

Nora Competition (Nora Prachan Rong)

Nora competitions, or Nora Prachan Rong, are held to showcase dance skills, spontaneous poetry (mutto), and artistic talents. The better troupe draws a larger audience and wins.

Before the competition, a ritual is performed: teachers are honored, a headdress (therit) is tied to the ceiling, and betel nuts and candles are offered. The troupe’s shaman performs protective rites, staying awake all night and sprinkling holy water.

The headdress is spun three times to predict the outcome: facing the opponent predicts victory; otherwise, defeat.

During the contest, performers first dance in groups, followed by the lead dancer (Nai Rong) who, after a ritual led by the shaman, circles the performance area three times to spread compassion and blessings to the audience and all beings, before continuing the performance.

Menora Dance Postures

The traditional Southern Thai dance known as Menora (or Nora) includes approximately 83 foundational dance postures. These postures are deeply rooted in classical Thai dramatic traditions and are integral to the performance and storytelling of Menora.^[21]

Musical instruments

The Menora performance is characterized by a unique ensemble of traditional Thai musical instruments that provide rhythm and melody, enhancing the overall experience of the dance and drama.

The primary instrument is the Thap (Thai: ทับ), a percussion instrument played by a single performer who maintains the rhythm and guides the tempo in accordance with the dancer's movements.

The Klong (Thai: กลอง) is a small drum that complements the Thap by accentuating the rhythm.

The Pi (Thai: ปี่) is the sole wind instrument in the ensemble, typically resembling a flute, and is capable of producing multiple pitches from a single reed.

The Mong (Thai: โหม่ง) consists of a pair of gongs with distinct high and low tones, enriching the auditory landscape of the performance.

The Ching (Thai: ฉิ่ง) are metallic cymbals that emphasize the rhythm and are struck to complement the tempo of traditional Thai music.

Finally, the Trae (Thai: แตระ) or Krap (Thai: กรับ) is a type of percussion instrument that can be played solo or in pairs, often producing varying pitches when struck against other instruments.

Together, these instruments create a vibrant and dynamic soundscape that is integral to the Menora tradition.

Gallery

Nora Dance performed at a funeral, Trang province.
Nora Dance at Wat Khien Bang Kaeo, Phatthalung province.
Nora Dance at Wat Khien Bang Kaeo, Phatthalung province.
Nora Dance performed at a temple fair in Koh Samui.
Nora Dance performed at an art festival, Krabi province.
Nora Dance performed at an art festival, Krabi province.
Nora Troupe at Kelantan, Malaysia, 1909

References

^ ^a ^b ^c "Nora, dance drama in southern Thailand". United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 2021.
^ Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi (26 March 2016). The Laws of Islam (PDF). Enlight Press. ISBN 978-0994240989. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
^ New Straits Times (26 January 2020). "Kelantan has no plans to lift ban on Menora". New Straits Times.
^ "โนรา (Nohra)". ฐานข้อมูลท้องถิ่นภาคใต้ (in Thai). สำนักทรัพยากรการเรียนรู้คุณหญิงหลง มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
^ ^a ^b Chonlada N., Costume Design in Southern Thai Nora Performance, Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 2020.
^ ^a ^b Piriya Krairiksh, Traditional Thai Performing Arts, Fine Arts Department, 2001.
^ ^a ^b Viset S., Symbolism in Nora Costumes, Thai Arts Review, 2021.
^ James C. Ingram. Economic change in Thailand 1850–1970. Stanford University Press, 1971, p. 10
^ Thepthong, Phitsanu (17 February 2020). "Pushing 'phasin' to the fore". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
^ Brandon, James R. (1967). Theatre in Southeast Asia. Harvard University Press. pp. 85–90.
^ Singhanetra-Renard, Anchalee (1988). "Nora: A Ritual Dance Drama of Southern Thailand". Asian Theatre Journal. 5 (2): 179–194.
^ Thongchai, Winichakul (2004). Performing the Nation: Nora and Thai Identity. Silkworm Books.
^ "Nora Dance Drama". UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
^ Wongthes, Srisakra (1982). "Nora: Ritual and Performance". Journal of the Siam Society. 70: 25–40.
^ Johnson, Henry (2011). Music and Performance in Southeast Asia. Routledge.
^ Local Reporter. "Nora Rong Khru held in Wiang Sa, Surat Thani". Southern Culture Archive. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
^ Suchit, Sawitree (2020). Rituals and Symbolism in Nora Dance. Thai Arts Institute. ISBN 978-616-1234-56-7. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
^ Department of Cultural Promotion. "Nora Rong Khru Ritual Manual". Thai Department of Cultural Promotion (in Thai). Retrieved 12 April 2025.
^ Chalermchai, Sukanya (2021). Sacred Nora: Traditional Beliefs and Practices. Southern Thai Studies Journal. pp. 77–88.
^ Southern Folklore Archives. "Short-form Nora Rong Khru ceremonies". Southern Folklore Archives. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
^ "Menora: The Soul of Southern Thai Performance Art". Thailand Foundation. 29 December 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2025.