本文的意圖並不在於探討西雙版納傣族潑水節狂歡的景象，而是將焦點放在傣族潑水節與水文化的關係上。“水”是西雙版納傣族的精神標誌，所以了解傣族文化之前，就必須先認識水文化，然後再來研究傣族潑水節的形成，以及潑水節從過去到現在的轉變，甚麼才是潑水節真正的文化意涵? 因此,本論文從西雙版納傣族潑水節文化意涵之研究著手, 探討水與傣族文化之間的關聯，與其在當代的存在價值, 這將是本論文研究的方向. 本文所包括的基本內容有： 第一章 人文與自然環境: 對傣族的歷史與天然環境、生活型態、宗教信仰和風俗 習慣等方面的特徵進行探討。 第二章 潑水節的探索: 結合筆者及國內外學者的研究成果和大量的相關歷史文獻資料，探討傣族的水文化和潑水節的形成，所反映出來的標識和風格特 徵，將在此章做說明 第三章 文化現象和定位: 此章介紹傣曆新年、文化現象的轉換和禁忌。 釐清大眾對西雙版納傣族潑水節的錯誤認知，並且訪談多位對傣文化相關研究的傑出專家學者、及2007年潑水節主辦單位，進行調查實錄及訪談。探討水文化和潑水節之間的因果關係、及節日中舉辦的各種活動之文化意涵進行探討。 第四章 潑水節的分析: 本章針對潑水節的內在以及外在意涵作分析。內在意涵包 括地方風俗、民族宗教和社會功能等方面；外在意涵則包括潑水節的特色、文化保護和傳承、以及其在當代的價值分別做微觀與宏觀的系統分析。 結論: 透過本文研究的發現並建議未來的研究方向 / This study doesn’t attempt to discuss the boisterous atmosphere of the Dai’s Water Splashing Festival(W.S.F.) in Xishangbanna(XSBN), but focuses on the relationship with the W.S.F and the water culture. Water is the spiritual symbol of the Dai people in XSBN. So before understanding the Dai’s culture, we must first recognize the influence of water culture on the Dai ethnic minority. Then we will examine the transformation of the W.S.F. from past to present, what is the real significance of the W.S.F.? And finally how does the W.S.F. reflect the external influence on the contemporary values? According to this study, it will be divided into 5 parts to discuss: 1. Humanity and the natural environment: The first chapter describes Dai’s history and geography, introduces the Dai’s lifestyle, and shows the Dai’s religious beliefs and customs. 2. Exploring the Dai Water Splashing Festival: The Dai’s water culture, and the formation of the W.S.F. will be explained in the second chapter. 3. Cultural phenomenon and orientation: It introduces the Dai New Year, and the transformation of culture phenomenon and taboos. 4. Analysis of the Water Splashing Festival: The fourth chapter analysis and interpretation the internal significance of the W.S.F, including the local folkway, ethnic religion, and social function. And it also shows the external significance of the W.S.F, including the special characteristics, protection and fostering of tradition culture, and its contemporary values. 5. Conclusion: The final conclusion combines with the above chapters to summarize the study of W.S.F.