Spirit houses (san phra hum) and spirit trees in Thailand. Thais construct spirit houses in front of their homes, offices and public buildings in general. The idea is that any spirit who may endanger the inhabitants' lives will stop first at the spirit house to drink the offerings (sodas, tea) and eat any fruit, rice or small delicacies and as a result not go inside and disturb those in the main building. People also leave flowers, intense & candles. You'l notice little figurines guarding the spirit house.
Thais also believe that spirits reside in old trees and tie colourful ribbons around them to keep them at bay and to warn others not to cut the tree down. Offerings are also made to these trees.
Categories & Keywords
Category:Travel and Places
Subcategory:Asia
Subcategory Detail:Thailand
Keywords:Thailand, making offerings, spirit houses, spirit trees, tying ribbons around trees