In Thailand, the place of the dead is quite prominent in everyday life, between the spirit houses, the different festivals and theomnipresence in Thai series and in cinema ghosts and other spirits, the latter are both feared and respected.
In full All Souls' Day period, this is the perfect time to review the Thai view of life after death, how this affects everyday life and then it is an opportunity to give you some ideas for places to visit and festivals on the theme.
So, are you feeling strong? Sensitive souls should refrain, here we go!
Spirit houses
Thais believe that, in addition to humans and animals, the earth is populated by spirits. Therefore, when they set their sights on a piece of land and wish to build their house (this also applies to buildings and all constructions), they must then share the said land with the spirit(s) already occupying this plot.
Hence the presence of the " spirit houses", these real little houses with the appearance of a miniature temple, generally placed on a pedestal. The location of these houses is governed by a whole bunch of criteria ranging from the orientation (rather north if not south), the height (at eye level, hence the pedestal) etc.
The primary function is to ensure the protection of chao thi, a sort of guardian and protector, by making him feel comfortable with this dwelling made available, people regularly come there to leave offerings (most often, these are flowers, incense and food, rice, fruit and drink).
Note that the opposite of chao thi are the "phi", malevolent spirits, often referred to as ghosts. They are the ones who are often represented in stories in Thai cinema and TV series.
The appearance and size of the spirit house is proportional to the wealth of the dwelling it protects, so as not to make the spirit jealous. It was originally made of wood, just like traditional houses.
Some details on the role of spirit houses on friend Wikipedia.
If the construction is important, the spirit house becomes a complete small sanctuary, with a dwelling in the form of a small temple dedicated to Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism (figure with 4 faces).
Concrete case, Erawan Shrine, at the Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok.
Erawan Shrine
The Erawan Shrine is an example of a more elaborate "spirit house". Its construction was decided after the date for the start of work on a large government hotel, the Erawan Hotel, was considered bad (normally the date is calculated in advance by an astrologer).
Before the construction of the sanctuary, the construction of the hotel had been plagued by a series of incidents including cost overruns, workers being injured and the loss of a shipment of Italian marble, intended for the decoration of the luxury hotel.
The connection with the spirits? The crossroads where the hotel was built used to be a public square for the execution of criminals.
Established in 1956, the original hotel has since been torn down and replaced by the Grand Hyatt but the shrine remains. The Brahma statue has been vandalized twice, the last time being as recently as 2, the vandal was promptly beaten to death, proof that spirits are not to be trifled with… (Although the outrageous reaction created a scandal at the time).
Phi Thi Kon: The Ghost Festival
Every year between March and July (the date is selected each year by a medium) the ghost festival takes place in Dan Sai, in the province of Loei (in the Issan region). Locally called Phi Ta Khon, the inhabitants of the villages dress in multi-colored clothing with large masks, representing.
The festival lasts for 3 days, on the first day they invite the spirits of the Mun River to protect them, on the second day there are dance competitions, parades and the last day is dedicated to listening to the chants of the monks.
Image source: wikipedia
Sat Duan Sip: The Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month
It is a festival that takes place every year in September or early October in southern Thailand, in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Thais believe that during this period, the deceased are allowed to visit the living and their families from the first to the last day of the waning moon in the tenth lunar month.
These traditional festivals include shows and exhibitions of art and culture, temporary markets with a large number of local products, tastings of local specialties, a sound and light show, fireworks.
The main feature of the festival is offering food to monks and monasteries.
Photo source: Bangkok101.com
Wang saen suk: the garden of hell
Located 90 km from Bangkok, on the road to Pattaya, you can visit a garden like no other. Located next to a temple in Chonburi, this garden is a representation of what Buddhists think of hell.
Despite the brutal and gory scenes, this particular garden is usually visited with family. Statues realistically and crudely show various situations and possible tortures.
After passing a sign " Welcome to Hell ! ", visitors encounter sinners boiled in copper cauldrons, devoured by hellhounds, emaciated, etc.
Like the day of judgment for Catholics, some Buddhists believe that the soul is judged, if the karma is negative, then it will be a passage through hell. The majority thinks rather for a simple reincarnation, the motto remains in all cases:
“Give a little every day, you will have a happy life.”
That is why Thai people are very religious people. who regularly visit temples, feed the monks in the morning and that many events are linked to the goal of making merit, a good action.
Wat Muang: another example of a hell garden
Note that several temples in Thailand may have an area dedicated to this "hell garden". An example being Wat Muang, located in Ang Thong (90 km also from Bangkok, to the north this time, not very far from Ayutthaya)
Besides the Hell Garden, Wat Muang is best known for its impressive 94m seated Buddha, the largest to date in the entire country.
A section of the hell garden at Wat Muang in Ang Thong.
Wat Rong Khun, the white temple of Chiang Rai
Created by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple, in fact true work of art, also has a certain representation of what hell can be.
At the entrance to the temple is a walkway under which lies a pit of hell, where hundreds of hands of damned souls try to climb out and escape their sad fate.
Right after, there are 2 imposing demons on each side, who point an accusing finger at you.
Minh Anh
Are Thais really superstitious?
Roman
Generally speaking, oh yes!