Spirits and Spirit Houses in Thailand
The belief in Spirits
The origin of these beliefs can be traced to an attempt of the human mind to cope with the crises of everyday life… These painful questions caused by life need to be explained in terms of concepts with which people feel comfortable. The existence of supernatural forces that hold control over the order of the universe appears to be quite natural. The creatures gifted with supernatural power are spirits, demi-gods, demons, deities, the sun and the moon. They are to be calmed down, begged or befriended by sacrifices, prayers, rites, etc. The form and functions of the propitiation depend on the subject as well as on local customs.
The Thai attitude to spirits is very similar to the Thai attitude towards human beings. Some spirits can be trusted and respected, others cannot be trusted and must be feared.
Spirit Houses
Trusted spirits can be members of the family. They are known generally as “phi ruan” (spirits of the home). Their duty is to look after the family’s well-being and they will be asked for special help during difficult times (sickness, pending law suit, a job interview, etc.).
One of the best-known spirits worshipped by the Thais is the spirit of Phra Phum Chao Thi, a spirit which looks after a place of residence. There are altogether nine subjects, which the spirit of Phra Phum Chao Thi looks after. All of them have to do with the land or those which stand on the land: Protector of the House, Protector of the Gates and Stairways, Protector of the Bridal Chamber, Protector of Animals, Protector of Storehouses and Barns, Protector of Fields and Paddies, Protector of Orchards and Gardens, Protector of the Terraces, and Protector of Temples and Religious Establishments. They are all closely connected with each other.
Spirit Houses
Spirit Houses or San Phra Phum
One of the most remarkable things we can witness in Thailand are the colourful spirit houses or San Phra Phum in Thai (Thai ศาลพระภูมิ) which are found at every Thai house. They are for the spirit of the land (Phra Phum) to calm it and assure good blessing for the owner. These spirit houses are built to stay on Phra Phum’s good side.
The spirit of the land lives in the spirit house constructed in one corner of the compound. The exact place and time for erection of a spirit house is determined by seeking advice from a medium. It is usually placed on top of a wooden or concrete post, high enough to show respect but low enough to permit offerings to be made. It is required to install a spirit house when building a new house. In fact the house is made for the spirit of the land. It calms the spirit and guarantees good blessings for the owner of the house.
Spirit houses are also erected by the sides of roads at accident spots or sites of past massacres. Individuals set them up in fulfillment of vows and over time a collection of spirit houses can grow into a “spirit town”.
The size of this spirit house is directly related to the size of the owner’s house and must not be situated in the shadow of the main building. Spirit houses are usually shaped like a miniature temple. They look something like a birdhouse in the west, but no bird would dare occupy them because the Phra Phum will not allow it.
A figure representing the Phra Phum, carved from wood or molded from clay, is placed against the far wall facing the door. The spirit house also contains other small figurines that represent the spirit’s servants and dancers for his entertainment. Little elephants provide the spirit with transportation. If the Phra Pum grants a wish he might be given more elephants or slaves, represented by similar figures. Some modern Phra Phum even sleeps on little beds or watches television and listens to music or drives a luxury car.
Every morning the owner of the house shall feed the spirits to help ensure the family’s continued prosperity.
Spirit House
The San Phra Phum (in English, the residence of the Land Guardian Angel, but the Thai meaning is very similar to the meaning of San Jao Thi), when neighboring to the San Jao Thi, is usually positioned higher. It stands on a single thick pillar (rather a platform).
San Phra Phum almost invariably will be topped by a Khmer style Prang. This building structure, common since the Khmer Empire, and in modified forms throughout the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya era, resembles a corncob. It represents Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu mythology (On mural paintings in Buddhist Thai Temples, Mount Meru is also regularly depicted).
Another variety (probably originating earlier) is the San Jao Thi (San Chao Thi) or residence of the Land Lord. It resembles an old wooden Thai house, raised above ground level by usually 4 pillars. The Lords of the Land will be represented by figurines of an old man and woman. As with the other type of Spirit House, the San Phra Phum, there will be a variety of attendants, angels, offerings, dancing girls, elephants etc. around, to provide an inviting environment for the Land Lords. The relationship with the Land Lords is mutually beneficial: we look after you (by giving you a nice house), and you will look after us.
Once you know the history behind this belief you can’t stop noticing this in every day life in Thailand and you will see these remarkable things with a totally different view.
