The Annual Thai Spirit House Blessing

 The full moon in the month of May is when the annual Spirit House Blessing and a feast for the spirits is done. Prayers are said for the residents and land for the coming year. 

Although food is given and prayers are said every month, the full moon of May, is the biggest event.

Most homes and businesses in Thailand have spirit houses. The belief that there are spirits in almost everything is an animistic belief the predates Buddhism. Spirit houses provide a place to live for some of these spirits who in turn protect the land and the people living on the land. There are usually two spirit houses located near the entrance of the property. One is for the spirits that protect the land, and one is for the spirits that protect the people and homes they live in. Once a month during the full moon gifts of food and flowers and given to the spirits and people pray to the spirits asking for protection. The full moon at the beginning of the month of May is the annual and largest blessing, and a time when ceremonies are also held for the entire village.

 

All photos by Lee Craker made with the FUJIFILM X100VI