I’ve been fascinated by Spirit Houses (“san phra phum”) since our very first visit to Thailand. They are miniature shrines placed outside homes, offices, hotels, shops, and important outdoor places to shelter the guardian spirit of the land. Their roots go back to animist beliefs about nature spirits with Hindu and Buddhist influences. They act as peaceful dwellings to appease the spirits for displacing them when human construction takes place. Daily or weekly spirit house offerings may include marigolds, their color representing prosperity, good fortune, and longevity. Jasmine strings, incense, and lit candles, along with fresh fruits and small portions of food are common offerings as well. Less common is the offering of a red Fanta soft drink which symboizes blood in ancient animal rituals. The color red is a lucky, powerful color.

Marla, with a colorful umbrella, walks past spirit houses in Bophut, on the island of Koh Samui.

Ko Samui Thailand.

I spotted this large spirit house in the back yard of one of our early suppliers of Asian antiques in Chiang Mai.

Koh Samui Thailand.

At the Eco Valley Elephant camp outside of Chiang Mai.

In the garden of the Jim Thompson House Museum in Bangkok.

Beautiful marigolds are draped in front of the spirit house. Small figurines are very common.

I found this one in the jungle while hiking on Kak-Hang Nak Hill nature trail in Krabi, Thailand.

Our granddaughters and I saw this small spirit house in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai, Thailand.

A unique spirit house in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Food and cigarette offerings.

It was fun spotting spirit houses while on a longtail boat cruise in the khlongs in Bangkok.

Bangkok.

Two spirit houses at this residence.

On a khlong in Bangkok.

A spirit house is high on a tree in Bangkok.

A spirit house at the Chatrium Riverside Hotel in Bangkok.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.