Spirit house
San Phra Phum (Thai: ศาล พระภูมิ - pronunciation: [ sǎ ː n p ʰ ráʔ p ʰ u ː m], translated, Shrine of the earth spirits ', also: ศาล เพี้ยง ตา - [ sǎ ː n p ʰ í ː At ta ː ], shrine at eye level ') are mostly small, in individual cases, reaching but also to the size of a single-family spirit house or haunted houses ( shrines to nature spirits ) in Thailand. These are the remnants of the old animistic faith, which is today tolerated by Buddhism.
Spirit houses to be built as soon as a property is built to allow the spirits ( Phra Phum ) who inhabited the land to appease for the loss of their home and give them the same grounds a substitute homeland.
In addition to the spirit house in conjunction with residential or commercial buildings, there are also shrines particularly distinctive sacred places such as caves, rocks, exceptional trees or on walls. Likewise, spirit houses are often set up at accident-prone roads.
History
San Phra Phum History of the there are no reliable sources in chronicles or ancient stone inscriptions. The first European who mentioned in a travel report, the San Phra Phum was Adolf Bastian, who visited Siam in 1863. However, there were already in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya (1351-1782) miniature temple or palace building, whose purpose has not yet been secured, but where possibly offerings were presented to the various spirits of nature.
Construction
Size and design of the San Phra Phum vary greatly depending on the location and size of the associated building or land. Spirit houses for private houses often look like miniature Thai temple building. They are made of wood or plaster, standing on a pile or raised plinth and are stocked with human and animal figures, candles and offerings. The figures are intended to represent the spirits or deceased family members or care as a dancer for the entertainment of Phra Phum.
Resident
After the traditional animistic beliefs with the Thai world is covered by numerous Phi ( Thai: ผี - ghosts, too: ghosts ) lives, believe in the Mon, Thai, Chinese and the mountain peoples of the north for centuries. Phi are part of everyday life, they have an influence on the course of world. The Phra Phum are a group of Phi. Your name " Phum " is the Sanskrit and Pali word Bhumi (earth), " Phra " means honorable, respectful title. You are in Thailand as " Phra Phum Chao Thi " ( Thai: พระภูมิ เจ้า ที่ - something like, " owner of the place " ) called, indicating the function of a protective spirit.
More specifically, there are a total of nine Phra Phum, which should be all brothers. Their names seem to be of Indian origin. While the normal rural dwellers at best knows one of the Phum by name, only specialists can name all nine. The best known is called " Chaiyamonkhon " ( Thai: พระ ชัยมงคล ), he protects the house. He is the one who usually lives in a San Phra Phum.
Inauguration
In general, a San Phra Phum should have a location where it can not be taken by the shadow of its associated building. It has to be inaugurated in a special ceremony. This ceremony is one of Mo San ( Thai: หมอ ศาล - literally " shrine - doctor " ) performed called Brahmins or Hindu priest, usually a knowledgeable astrologer. The location and the auspicious inauguration date to be determined by him. He uses astrology and various rituals with animistic or Hindu background. With this ceremony the spirit (or spirits ) will be invited to move into his new home. The shrine itself is adorned with small figures, which are prepared according to a fixed order and placement. Colorful ribbons and Lotus wreaths adorn the cottage also.
Use
To ensure that the spirit of his shrine will not leave again immediately, it must be made more attractive than the main building. These are deposited offerings regularly or before the haunted house in general. The inhabitants of the little house spirits get so often water or soft drinks, and alcohol on special occasions, such as rice wine, and at least every two weeks to the spirits served fruit, rice, sweets or similar gifts. You can call the spirits also, to ask them for the fulfillment of an event. This is done by worshiping and appeasing. Here are to be paid directly above irregular gifts.
Various spirit house
Spirit house in Thailand ( Ko Chang)
Haunted House in front of a car dealership in Bangkok
Spirit house Mah Boon Krong before the department store, Bangkok