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From
the office window of a Japanese multinational
company in Thailand I can just see a small-scale,
Buddhist temple-shaped “house” atop
a tall pedestal. It is called a “Spirit
House” or Saan Phra Phoom in Thai. |
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Spirit
houses are everywhere in Thailand. It is believed
that the Earth is inhabited by souls or spirits,
and that when a spirit is disturbed by people,
it may cause them illness, bad luck or misfortune.
People placate the spirit by building a spirit
house on a clean area far from the building's
shadow and by paying respect. |
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The spirit
house must be installed with proper ceremony
by a Brahmin priest, and a flower garland and
burning incense given as a normal daily offering.
A smiling pig's head is for special occasions,
along with rice wrapped in banana leaves, a
hard-boiled egg, and various fruit—even
a bottle of orange or grape “Fanta”
with a straw. |
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Arriving
and departing employees pay their respects to
the spirit by gently putting their hands together
in front of their face—the Thai wai.
Here, the wai is a gesture of deference
as individuals ask the spirit to protect them
and their homes or ensure safety at their workplace.
The spirit houses provide punctuation in the
rhythm of life, as expressed by the serene wai. |
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Despite
its ancient roots, this tradition has been strengthened
rather than weakened by modern times. Foreigners
working in Thailand are even known to greet
the spirit house with a wai. And last
year, when David Beckham visited Thailand with
his wife, he brought a spirit house back home
as an interesting souvenir, even though his
purpose was only for decoration—maybe. |
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