You have certainly noticed that in Thailand there is near each building or house, a small temple with offerings.
It welcomes the good spirits and protects from the bad ones.
Good spirits, called Chao Thi, protect the ground, fields, houses, etc. from Thi (bad spirits, who bring misfortune.
The architecture of the spirit house varies, made of wood, concrete, Thai or sometimes Khmer style, in different colors, so that one can choose to harmonize with the environment.
To build a spirit house, a ceremony must be organized and thus invite the protective spirit to stay.
The ceremony is led by a Brahmin priest who chooses the favorable date, mainly according to the lunar calendar.
There are two rules to follow: the spirit house must face East and must not be located where it could be shaded by the building.
Once the spirit house is erected it is important to take care of the spirits and make offerings to them every day (fruits, drinks, flowers, incense, etc.) and this (in principle) before 11am.
In the past it was considered good form when a guest slept in a house, that he inform the spirits of his presence and apologize in case he committed acts likely to disturb them.
It was the same when he left his hosts’ house, he asked the spirits to protect him on his return journey.
Spirit houses are also present in all public buildings and it is not uncommon to see visitors (especially in hospitals) pay homage to the spirits who will protect them during their treatment.
This animist practice has no connection with Theravada Buddhism.
It is also customary at night to leave lights on outside to ward off evil spirits.
Now you know what these small temples are and why when crossing villages at night, all the houses are lit outside…
