Description
Many Thai homes, shops, and hotels have houses for the spirits. Thais are generally very superstitious. The spirit houses are often built on stilts—think flood protection—and house the house's spiritual guardian. Incense is always burning, fresh flowers are placed, and food is provided to appease the spirits. They're actually a cross between dollhouses and feeding tables for birds and other animals. Offerings are also evolving… so you'll often find a bottle of Coke or Fanta on the altar—with a straw. Not all Thais truly believe in all these spirits and traditions, but most play it safe: no harm done. If it turns out that evil spirits are still lingering in the house, the monks from the temple are called in to convince the restless spirits to move to an additional spirit house. When placing the spirit house, a few rules must be observed. For example, it must be built to the east or south of the main house, so that the shadow of the house cannot fall on the spirit house. The time of construction is generally determined very precisely according to astronomical calculations. It must be finished before 11:00 AM at the latest, so that the spirits can eat lunch in peace. The spirits are offered food such as rice, coconuts, or meat as offerings. They also enjoy a can of cola, a bag of chips, or cigarettes. By offering these offerings, the builder expects the house spirits to look after the family's well-being.
Thai spirit houses
