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THAI
SPIRIT HOUSES
'san phra phum' |
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| Evincing the unique blend of animism, Hinduism and Buddhism that
makes Thailand so interesting, Thai spirit houses are miniature abodes
for the spirits of the land (‘phra phum’). Made
of wood, or more often nowadays, cement, they are carefully sited
by a spiritual ‘specialist’ on an auspicious corner of
a property, outside the shadow of the main dwelling. Daily offerings
are made and can comprise flowers, fruit, incense, betel, tobacco,
candles as well as assorted foods and drink. These serve to appease
the spirits, keeping their mischief to a minimum and bringing good
luck and prosperity to the human inhabitants of the property. |
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| Often the spirit house will be appointed with figurines of the guardian
spirits (‘jao tii’, or Lord of the Land) represented
by an old man and woman, along with those of other attendants- angels,
dancing girls, elephants, horses, etc. |
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| Less often, one will see one of the Hindu deities represented, such
as Lord Brahma in the spirit house at the back of the Chiang Mai Night
Bazaar. This is also the deity featured in the famous Erawan Shrine
in Bangkok. |
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| The designs of spirit houses can take various forms: temple buildings,
pavilions, and typical residences of the area. The Buddhist temple
main sanctuary is a popular style, and is usually found in wood in
Northern Thailand (see AO299 and FCO121-24). Temple designs incorporating
the Khmer ‘prang’, or corncob-like tower which
represents Mount Meru of Hindu mythology, are also popular, and are
often rendered in cement. |
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| House designs can be simple affairs, such as seen in a Palaung tribal
village near Chiang Dao. |
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| They can mimic the local architectural style, or they can even be
miniature versions of the main human abode, as shown here at Thai
House, the famous cooking school in Nontaburi. |
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| Spirit houses can also be erected at businesses, beside sacred trees,
or along the highway – anywhere that the spirits need special
care and appeasement. This photo shows part of the enormous collection
at a hilltop shrine beside the highway between Lampang and Chiang
Mai. |
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| Villages will often have their own special home for ‘jao phaw’,
or spirit for the village. Usually located at the edge of the settlement,
it is used for special rituals to repel malevolence and misfortune,
and bring prosperity and security to the village. |
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In Thailand, the spirits are everywhere and in many forms, but all
agree that their care and feeding is of utmost importance to the smooth
functioning of daily life. Even those who may be non-believers cannot
help but find the omnipresent spirit houses charming. Put one in your
home and give it a chance to work its magic!
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T H A I
S P I R I T H O
U S E S
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| Old Spirit
Houses |
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SOLD |
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SOLD |
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T H
A I S P I R I
T H O U S E S
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