As far as I understand it the building of a spirit house for the property is an ancient Hinduism/Brahmanism practice that still exists throughout Thailand.
It seems that Thais believe that these spirits or guardian angels inhabit every piece of land and need to be appeased when disturbed. By providing the spirit with a home of its own, serenity and harmony will be assured within the property. If properly respected and cared for, the spirit will provide protection and ensure wealth and prosperity to the owner.
I've been informed that a site selection for the spirit house, and an invitation to the spirit to take up residence, must be made. Traditionally, these are overseen by a Brahman priest or someone who specializes in conducting such ceremonies. The auspicious time and place for it to be held is determined by astrological calculations.
Now, I am genuinely curious to know somewhat more about this aspect of Thai life. However, I bring with me, in my approach to this subject, the analytical tools of Western philosophy. It may seem to some that my questions are in some way deprecating or even impertinent and disrespectful of Thai culture.
Nothing could be further from truth. All I seek are answers to my questions - which are probably best answered by a native Thai person.
Imagine this. A rich Thai man buys a large plot of land upon which he desires to build a dwelling house. As I've been lead to understand the spirit house must be built first and of such a nature and composition that the 'actual' house does not demean the spirit house. Basically meaning, if the spirit house is less than comparable to or inferior to the main house then the spirits will choose to reside in the 'actual' house.
However, for the sake of argument, we assume 'all went well', the spirit house was built, the dwelling house was constructed and all the necessary spiritual obligations were sucessfully undertaken.
But now suppose the owner wanted to build another house on his land. Would that require another spirit house? For after all, the spirits are cheerfully residing in the original spirit house - why would they need another house?
Are the spirits so mean minded that they must have an alternative residence even though their first one was outstanding in all respects? I'll leave it here having posited this initial question.
HuntingTigers
Spirit Houses
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HuntingTigers
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Spirit Houses - a fascinating subject
It may be rubbish - but by golly it's British rubbish.
spirit houses
They don't seem to be universally popular throughout Thailand though. I dont remember seeing them as often in Isaan as here for example . .despite an intense belief in ghosts up there!
Also, one such house seems to be all that is needed for an entire development. There are 80+ houses here and only the one spirit house located near the entrance. No house in the entire project has an individual spirit house. The main shrine is connected by a string running all around the village when a ceremony is held. This spirit house is where we go to make offerings.
They seem creepy to me . .often dirty and cluttered with little "things" made of wax, dead flowers, little figurines etc. (As well, I find those concrete models for sale everywhere much too garish to ever want one here . . .and besides, I dont trust the "expert" not to pick an awkward spot right in the middle of a lawn or just outside the living room window.
Also, one such house seems to be all that is needed for an entire development. There are 80+ houses here and only the one spirit house located near the entrance. No house in the entire project has an individual spirit house. The main shrine is connected by a string running all around the village when a ceremony is held. This spirit house is where we go to make offerings.
They seem creepy to me . .often dirty and cluttered with little "things" made of wax, dead flowers, little figurines etc. (As well, I find those concrete models for sale everywhere much too garish to ever want one here . . .and besides, I dont trust the "expert" not to pick an awkward spot right in the middle of a lawn or just outside the living room window.
Don't worry about it Chas..........the spirit house cannot be positioned in such a way so that it falls in the shadow of the house. This is why you always see them in a corner, usually on the east facing side.
Yes, they are not as common up in the country but believe me, the folk up there still practice the same thing, only they place the incense and etc anywhere in the garden. Whenever the inlaws visit, mom always goes and burns the joss sticks out in the garden and hangs up some flowers. I think she worries that the wife and I just don't do enough. Of course, without putting anyone down, you'll notice many Thais tend to be more concerned with such things during times of need. If everything is going well, it often takes a back seat......as it does in most religions.
In my opinion, if they want spirit houses then so be it. What a lovely peaceful kind of religion, and certainly far better than some others who are still stoning people to death in the street.
Yes, they are not as common up in the country but believe me, the folk up there still practice the same thing, only they place the incense and etc anywhere in the garden. Whenever the inlaws visit, mom always goes and burns the joss sticks out in the garden and hangs up some flowers. I think she worries that the wife and I just don't do enough. Of course, without putting anyone down, you'll notice many Thais tend to be more concerned with such things during times of need. If everything is going well, it often takes a back seat......as it does in most religions.
In my opinion, if they want spirit houses then so be it. What a lovely peaceful kind of religion, and certainly far better than some others who are still stoning people to death in the street.
Don't try to impress me with your manner of dress cos a monkey himself is a monkey no less - cold fact
Just got around to reading this thread...
She also wanted a dedicated Buddha room, but being a person who doesn't like wasted space in a home design I convinced her that Buddha would be perfectly happy with one of those shelf shrines up high on the wall in our second floor lounge (facing north of course). He seems quite happy up there as he has a nice city view if he cares to look out the sliding doors nearby.
The missus tends the shrine and prays dutifully each day.
I do know that house as it's in the neighborhood but we don't have a spirit house at all. The missus mentioned it a couple of times but I always managed to steer the conversation in another direction.Here's HH Farangs spirit house.
She also wanted a dedicated Buddha room, but being a person who doesn't like wasted space in a home design I convinced her that Buddha would be perfectly happy with one of those shelf shrines up high on the wall in our second floor lounge (facing north of course). He seems quite happy up there as he has a nice city view if he cares to look out the sliding doors nearby.
The missus tends the shrine and prays dutifully each day.
My brain is like an Internet browser; 12 tabs are open and 5 of them are not responding, there's a GIF playing in an endless loop,... and where is that annoying music coming from?
No spirit house in my yard/garden, and the better half has never suggested erecting one. My wife has a masters degree in satistics, so I just figured she was beyond the animist stuff. I later noticed that a couple of wee lion ceramic things were placed on the garden wall near the gate, and some joss sticks were burned, and a few grains of rice were left out. I guess she's covering her bases... 
People do have them up in Issan, but as they're often not wealthy enough to buy the purpose built ones they're generally not so noticeable.
Often it will just be a small shelve on a tree or post where they can make an offering and I've even seen them made out of old cooking oil tins.
Of course, when you're own house is a sixty year old shed, you've got much more chance of the spirits being happy with a converted tin than if you live in a large villa by the coast!
As far as the size of the spirit house goes, that pseudo-palace affair on the left in Palm Hills has one about the same size as my rented house in Hua Hin!
Often it will just be a small shelve on a tree or post where they can make an offering and I've even seen them made out of old cooking oil tins.
Of course, when you're own house is a sixty year old shed, you've got much more chance of the spirits being happy with a converted tin than if you live in a large villa by the coast!
As far as the size of the spirit house goes, that pseudo-palace affair on the left in Palm Hills has one about the same size as my rented house in Hua Hin!
