WHICH FACTORS CAUSED THE DECLINE IN THE HEAVENLY AUTHORITY FUNCTION OF POTAO APUI (FIRE KING) AND POTAO IA (WATER KING)?
Keywords:
Fire King, Water King, religion, decline, heavenly authority
Abstract
Previously, according to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands’ beliefs in
general and the Jarai people’s in particular, the "theocracy" right of the Potao Apui (Fire
King) and Potao Ia (Water King) was clearly shown through ritual activities of the village
including"praying for rain" activities. However, recently, the "theocracy" right has been
greatly reduced due to the influence of many factors, such as: the penetration/effect of some
new religions (the main factor) or the emergence of irrigation works, medical facilities, the
development of transportation systems and education which have made the beliefs "worship
Yang, worship Potao" of a part of the population in the Central Highlands gradually
vanished.
