Máe Dām Máe Phi: Ancestral Worship of the Ahoms
An introduction to the Ahom belief system centered on ancestral spirits, ritual offerings, and continuity of life.
Ahom Religion
Ahoms follow an animist form of Tai religion based on
ancestral worship and belief in natural spirits. Despite
their association with Orthodox Brahmins, no traces of Hinduism or Buddhism
can be found in their native Ahom religion (M'Cosh 1837:20).
Ahom religion is centered around belief in khwan and phi.
The khwan (ขวัญ) refers to one’s vital life or spiritual health and can be compared
to the Chinese concept of qi. When khwan is disturbed, rituals such
as rik-khwan are performed to restore vitality.
Phi refers to spirits. Forests, rivers, mountains, and even houses
possess spirits. The most powerful among them are ancestral spirits known
as Chāo Phi-Dām, the household guardians.
Even after losing their language, this belief on ancestral spirits wasn't entirely wiped out, as
the Ahom priests say in Assamese language
saal'a narakhe, ber'a narakhe; narakhe idokho'r deo;
ghoror dam deo narakhile, rakhuta nai keo
Neither walls nor gods protect a family—only the ancestral spirits do.
Aside from Phi Dām (ancestral spirits) Ahoms also have Phi Bāan or the village guardian spirit.
It is believed that Chao Phi Ban protecs the village from all kinds of harm. Then there are the water spirits
Phi Nâm and lot of original Tai festivals actually started as a means to worship the water spirits or
to invoke rain for harvest, protect from floods, etc. But because of Hindu-Buddhist superimposition lot of original Tai
culture was lost and got badly distorted. We will talk about Dai Ahom religion, and some key-terms in detail in
this article
Máe Dām Máe Phi
Máe Dām Máe Phi is the most important ritual in Ahom religion, where offerings
are made to ancestral spirits for protection and guidance.
Máe means prepare or worship, Dām means the dead, and Phi means spirit —
or literally to prepare offerings for the tutelary dead spirits or worship ancestral spirits.
Meat such as beef, pork, and fowl are offered along with traditional rice beer. Once the spirits
have taken the spiritual essence of the offering, mortals may consume the earthly remains.
Ahom Philosophy
Ahom philosophy emphasizes legacy and continuity. Life is not an accident
but a means to uphold ancestral purpose.
Your ancestors existed — and you are the proof. Their blood flows in you.
Faith in oneself begins with faith in one’s ancestors.
You are the wealth your ancestors left behind.
Learn Ahom
