| They can be seen all around
Thailand; the tall, slender wooden structures
which are set in prominent places outside
every house and building. Available in a
wide range of sizes and available in all
the colours of the rainbow, these spirit
houses are an intriguing mystery to westerners. |
| |
| Spirit houses vaguely resemble
bird houses, which can be found in many
gardens in western countries. However, rather
than attracting birds, these houses are
intended to serve as resting places for
the spirits. |
| |
| Spirit houses are built for
two purposes: to attract the spirits from
the heavens and as alternative accommodation
for the spirits that live in the homes of
humans. It is believed that if the spirits
are treated with respect they have the power
to grant wishes, protect people and bring
them good health and luck. |
| |
| If, however, the spirits feel
as though they have been mistreated or disrespected,
they can cause businesses to fail, loss
of fortune and health. For this reason,
the spirits must be informed when an important
venture – such as a new business or marriage
– is planned. |
| |
| The spirits which reside in
spirit houses are known as Phra Bhum Jowthee,
or Guardian Spirits of the Land. There are
nine different types of Phra Bhum Jowthee,
each performing different functions and
bestowing various blessings. When selecting
their spirit house, Thai people are careful
to decorate and adorn it with objects that
will appeal to a specific type of spirit. |
| |
| The main types of spirits that
are revered are The Guardian of the House
and The Guardian of the Gardens. In fact,
these are the only types of spirits that
have permanent spirit houses built for them,
although temporary spirit houses may be
built for other spirits on special occasions. |
| |
| The main role of The Guardian
of the House is to watch over and protect
the home. Without exception, every spirit
house in modern Thai society has a spirit
house for this function and the spirit is
also expected to provide financial security
and help in business matters. |
| |
| Many households will also have
a second spirit house to accommodate The
Guardian of the Gardens, which watches over
the garden and areas of natural beauty.
The spirit houses are particularly prominent
in public parks and gardens. |
| |
| Paying respect to the spirit
house is a matter of instinct and ritual.
People always wai to pay respect to their
spirit house when they leave and when they
return at the end of the day. They will
also pay respect to the spirit house at
the work and can be seen waiing to large,
prominent spirit houses they pass on the
street. |
| |
| In today’s modern society it
is often difficult to determine how much
of this spirit worship is belief and how
much is routine. However, it would seem
as though most people genuinely want to
show their respect. As a good friend told
me; “I always wai when I pass the spirit
house. I pay for a safe journey, riches
and good health. If I forget by accident
I feel guilty and make sure I apologize
later.” |
| |
| Indeed, spirit worship is one
tradition that is actually strengthening,
especially in the city. In the past, communities
would share spirit houses, but now each
household has their own personal spirit. |
| |
| When a new house or other building
is constructed, a spirit house will be specially
constructed. There are many rules regarding
the selection and placing of the spirit
house. For example, the spirit house should
not stand in the shade of another building
and should preferably be located next to
a tree. The colours of the spirit house
are specially selected to match the birthday
colour of the owner of the property. The
birthday colour relates to the day of the
week when the person was born. |
| |
| Usually, a Hindu priest will
perform a ceremony inviting the spirit to
make its home in the spirit house. At this
time, offering are made such as a pig’s
head, fruit, rice wrapped in banana leaves
and a coconut. The spirit houses often contain
figures and small animal statues, especially
statues of elephants. |
| |
| Daily maintenance of the spirit
house is an important ritual. Each day fresh
candles, garlands of flowers and incense
are placed inside, as well as gifts of food
and drink. Traditionally, the food and drink
would be small parcels of rice and meat,
water and tea, but today almost anything
can be offered, even brightly-coloured bottles
of Fanta. |
| |
| As I have said, spirit houses
can be seen absolutely everywhere in Thailand.
People looking for outstanding examples
could go to Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai,
where hundreds of people gather to make
offerings, say prayers and have wishes granted.
Other examples can be found outside large
hospitals, markets and hotels. |
