Thai Spirit House 9 x12 x16" Natural Finish

Thai Spirit House 9" x 12" x 16". Natural

The additional information size is the shipping dimensions.

The purpose of the Spirit House is to provide shelter for celestial beings who would otherwise reside in natural surroundings such as large trees, caves, cliffs, and waterfalls. According to folklore, these spirits are either good or evil, but most are just finicky and mischievous, demanding respect from humans and capable of causing trouble if they feel disrespected. For example, the spirit of the land expects to be informed when a human intends to start or improve a business, and failure to do so may cause the venture to fail.

Spirit houses can range from simple shelters to elaborate structures, and the style often depends on which spirit is being invited and the budget for construction. Construction of a spirit house is a specialized field, and only an expert Spirit Housebuilder is considered for proper construction. The houses may be permanent or temporary, made of wood, concrete, or brick, and are decorated with statues, symbols, and other figures, as well as incense holders, candlesticks, and flower vases.

In Thai folklore, the primary spirits of concern are the Phra Bhum Jowthee, or Guardian Spirits of the Land, with nine guardians offering different types of protection. The Guardian of the House and the Guardian of the Gardens have permanent spirit houses, and these spirits are frequently consulted and prayed to.

The Guardian of the House watches over and protects homes and is associated with business matters. The Guardian of the Gardens protects natural surroundings, yards, gardens, and orchards. Other guardians protect various aspects of daily life, such as gates and stairwells, animals, storehouses, forests, mountains, fields, paddies, temples, waters, and military forts and defense.

Temporary spirit houses are constructed as needed, such as one in a rhododendron forest in northern Thailand, built for soldiers who died in a helicopter crash. Offerings to spirit houses and the intended resident spirit can include flower garlands, betel leaves, bananas, rice, chicken, duck, candles, and incense. Spirit houses are found everywhere in Thailand and are an important part of Thai culture.