Thai Spirit

In our brief encounter with Thai culture, I was struck with the spirituality that seems to permeate the country. There are hundreds of wats (temples) in Bangkok alone. But it is not just in grandiose temples where religiosity is manifested; nearly every tuk-tuk, taxi, home or business has special garlands of flowers arranged like a rosary or Muslim prayer beads. Small shrines can be found everywhere.



A Bangkok believer gave a little Baht to the monk in order to receive blessings on the Buddhist holiday.



Just outside a small wat, this sacred banyan tree caught our attention. I loved how people had respectfully wound colorful cloths around the tree.


Thai spirit houses are both charming and curious to a visitor like myself. The tradition of spirit houses dates back to religious animism, pre-dating the arrival of Buddhism to ancient Siam. The current custom combines elements of animism and Buddhism. Thais place the spirit houses in auspicious places outside of their homes or businesses, in an effort to lure local spirits to reside in the spirit house (rather in the home or business). Daily offerings of food, beverages and incense are offered to the spirits.



This spirit house was behind our hotel in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.



You can purchase a spirit house at open markets such as this one in Trat in southeastern Thailand.