"Hor Phra Phoum" A Spirit House

                                         

                          
   

This is a Spirit House.  Many homes in Laos have one. It is an ornate miniature temple mounted on a post or a tree nearby

                           
  

 The Lao people believe one's ancestors continue to bless their lives.  The Spirit House is intended to provide shelter for these spirits and offer guests their blessing and protection.

                               
 

  Gifts of incense, fruit and sweet things are left to "feed the spirits"   "After all, they take care of us, we must return that care."  It was explained to me.
                                      

                             

Situating the Spirit House is the first step in any building construction.  A monk or priest advises the most auspicious location.  For the first 100 days as the building starts, alms must be placed in the house every day before sunrise.   And, from then on twice a month on Temple Day. 

     

This is the Hor Phra Phoum at the Settha Palace Hotel in Vientiane.

It is a tradition of thanksgiving and a gracious gesture to the hotel guests.

 

    

I brought home a hand-carved Buddha from Laos.  It is situated on a table by our front door with a dish of candy at it's base in honor of the Spirit House tradition.  

 And, I have noticed the spirits do, indeed, keep taking it!