Symbolic Meanings of Ritual Objects in Thai and Chinese Horror Films

Authors

  • Ruiyin Yuan Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
  • Chanyaporn Chawla Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330 Thailand

Keywords:

Symbolic, Meanings, Ritual objects, Horror film

Abstract

The article examines the symbolic meanings of ritual objects in Thai and Chinese horror films, focusing on their representation of each nation’s cultural and religious contexts, as well as the role of material culture in spiritual practices, using Cultural Relativism and Comparative Studies Theory as frameworks. The study explores six films—three from Thailand and three from China—and reveals that Thai films emphasize Buddhist practices, while Chinese films reflect influences from Confucianism, Taoism, Mahayana Buddhism, and folk beliefs. The study highlights similarities and differences in these representations, offering a foundation for further study on ritual objects in film.

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2025-06-20

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Symbolic Meanings of Ritual Objects in Thai and Chinese Horror Films. (2025). Journal of Sinology, 19(1), 1-21. https://journals.mfu.ac.th/jsino/article/view/174

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