In keeping with the theme of spirits…I totally fell in love with the spirit houses in Cambodia. Practically every home and every business has one. The purpose? To ward off evil spirits who seek to enter, as well as showing respect for the recently departed. Makes sense to me!
Let me back up and share a little about the religion in Cambodia as it gives one a better understanding as to the reason for spirit houses. Theravada Buddhism is the vast majority of people’s religion since the 13th century. (Well…with the exception during the Khmer Rouge period…when many monks and religious scholars were murdered.) But Cambodian’s version of Buddhism has hints of shamanism and animism, as well as beliefs in spirits and ghosts. Buddhists believe leaving small offerings at the spirit houses will not only bring them good luck, but equally important it’ll bring good luck in the next life for the recently deceased as they await reincarnation.
There are regular offerings at these dedicated structures…incense, candles, flowers, bananas, rice…really any kind of food and drink. Spirit houses come in all shapes and sizes…many made of concrete to weather the rains and humidity, but some are wooden and some simple and some quite elaborate. My assumption is the spirit house coincides with the amount of money a family or a business makes…as many in the countryside were literally a couple of boards slapped together…but then again I do recall seeing a small home barely standing with a gold colored spirit house. The spirit house is definitely a big part of daily life…many saying their daily prayers, but definitely a weekly offering and a bigger offering once a month.
A friend shared this story…He and his family live in a small village and one evening his young son had a bad case of diarrhea. He takes him to the village elder (who is like a shaman and in this case also a type of astrologer too) who is well informed of ways to ward off the bad spirits. After a session (and paying him a dollar) he’s advised to return home…add fresh flowers to their spirit house…(and perhaps a few other things that I just can’t recall…) and voila! His son’s diarrhea goes away. Would so love to be a fly on the wall at an elder’s home and hear the stories and follow the outcomes!
Anyway, I took a variety of spirit house images…but here’s some of my favorites!
this one just touches my heart!
And of course…I wanted to bring a spirit house home with me…but time did not allow for spirit house shopping…Next trip! But, I have to say…until then…my quail feeder will do in a pinch!
I decided since the quail were pecking and eating the blooms of my geraniums…I’d help them out by bringing a smorgasbord of spent blossoms directly to their table! I’ve always enjoyed gardening and during my corporate years it was such wonderful therapy for me. This year because I’m here longer than usual to work on my little creative space…it’s really the first in a long, long time at going all out with a variety of annuals…geraniums, petunias, stock, cosmos, pansies, snapdragons and more…so hopefully in a couple of weeks I’ll share some of the fruits of my labor as it begins to really bloom!
Coming up…if you follow me on Instagram you know I introduced you to Khen Sroem, the novice monk. Feel so honored to have met him and learned a little about what he hopes to achieve in his life…especially knowing he’s the first from his family to attend school. So special…
More soon! xo, gg
P.S. I just recently finished reading On My Own by Diane Rehm. If you aren’t familiar with Diane…she has hosted her own daily talk show on NPR for decades. In her memoir she chronicles her experiences with the death of her husband and how the pain of his passing has led her activism for assisted suicide. Several things struck me…first, there were many parallels between her husband’s struggle with Parkinson’s and my father’s experience with Alzheimer’s…second, the parallels between what I’ve seen my mom go through with the loss of her soul mate to the similar experiences that Diane writes about…and third, how my own feelings match hers regarding a system that doesn’t allow a person to be helped toward their own death when the time comes. A quick and easy read…yet powerful…in my opinion.
I just love the spirit houses and the story. So fascinating to learn so much about culture and religion and I just love (as your other friend posted) how you have the ability to make people feel so trustingly towards you and to share so much. It’s only the tourists who are problems!
Did people have them in the front of their homes? How were you able to get so many beautiful pictures?
I absolutely love your quail house and the theory of if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Might as well feed them.
I can see you with a spirit house, too someday. Love your green grass, hammock and yard in the Land of Beige and look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor soon.
It’s nice that you are enjoying nesting time at home.
My nephew raises high breed goats and a bunch of kids are due in April, the first time. He also has quails and I just sent him containers, labels, the collection pail, cleanser and spray oil for the eggs. Their eggs are pretty. I’m the city girl who knows nothing about farms helping my very favorite cool (handsome, gay & available) nephew who wailked the Appalachian trail and lived in Australia for a bit with his farm in VA, not far from Richmond. Can’t wait for the kids to be born!
I’ll have to get a copy of the book. I can understand why it resonated with you, dear Robin.
Really enjoying your trip. Thank you so much for sharing.
Love you, RR.
XO
Thanks Lisa! Yes, the spirit houses are outside of the home and I really couldn’t see if there was rhyme or reason as to where exactly, but definitely in front of the home and not in the backyard. Which makes sense as to where the bad spirits could enter…the front door. I took most of these as we just walked around in the villages. The children would come out to say hello and walk with us…it’s all so adorable. OMG…I adore goats and if I didn’t travel so much I think I would just have to have one!! Your nephew sounds adorable!! Make sure he sends you photos so you can put some on Facebook or instagram! So appreciate always your comments and perspective!! xoxoxo
Just so very beautiful, the spirit houses and the idea and purpose of the little structures, and I agree with you on the most simple one being the sweetest. Also love yours in the backyard! I guess I ‘ve mentioned that I can’t follow on Intsagram but sure look forward to learning about the monk, maybe it will be when your book comes out!
And this other book sounds like such an important read for all of us … you really share so much good stuff.
Thanks so much my dear! The monk is coming up next so stay tuned!! xoxo
So miss seeing those magical and personal icons…
I can imagine! Gotta get you back to that part of the world! 🙂 xoxo
It’s so funny, Robin, but I immediately thought of birdhouses and then had a huge smile when I saw yours at the end. But I’m saddened by the thought of growing up in a religion (my own Christianity) that taught us we should “convert” people of other religions to ours. It’s one of those things where I’d give anything for a group discussion!
In the meantime, thank you for spreading the stories…and the love.
My pleasure Ginny! Love sharing what I come across whether travels or simply an article, experience or a book. That’s what I love about the blogosphere…so much to be learned from folks like all of us. Yes, now that would be an interesting group discussion!! Thank you!
Oh my, Ginnie. You and I could talk forever. I was born jewish by non-religious parents, became a Christian at 18 and converted to Catholicism several years later while living in FL. Got married in a Medthodist church to an Atheist husband (????) and remained “Christian” but spiritual in my heart, not church-going.
Now I lost my faith as a Christian, I always embraced my roots on some level.
I was always open and respectful to other faiths. Years ago, I read “Muslim for Dummies” and I recently had a deep conversation with a NY city Muslim driver who offered to send me the Quran, which I just received.
I am interested in learning about Buddhism, as well. I believe in a higher power, just unsure of who or if it’s “The Universe”.
That’s exactly what bothers me about many Christians I know – Instead of living by example, they worry about saving your soul. I don’t think that’s their job.
OK, I’ve hijacked Robin’s blog, ever so rudely but I have to point out that I’ve never come across so many people (Robin’s followers) who have never pissed me off. Everyone is so loving, supportive, intelligent, respectful and interesting. You all bring so much to the table, it’s so wonderful to learn and see our loving Robin so loved and supported.
Thank you.
I really enjoy reading all about different religions and as you know I’ve been studying about Buddhism for a while now. It speaks to me. I just ordered and received a book – Who Speaks for Islam – so I’ll let you know what I think. This would be such a great subject for all of us to sit around for an afternoon and discuss! And yes, couldn’t agree with you more…I have amazing followers! Thank you!! xoxo
Such a powerful, thoughtful post…and I LOVE it… However, I want to reserve my comments, as I would love to share my thoughts with you when we visit you this weekend.. Same thought process as far as I can tell… and I so agree with Ginnie about a group discussion… but for now, I would love to discuss any differences between the spirit house and my belief with you one-on-one…Xoxo.
Thanks VK! You bet! Counting down now! xoxo
the human spirit’s deep connection with beauty
never ceases to amaze me.
I love fairy gardens:)
that’s what many of these spirit houses remind me of…..whimsical tributes to the unseen.
peace and love to Cambodia.
and to you:)
-Jennifer
I love fairy gardens too…which is why I’m so attracted to your art and words! Thank you!!
So wonderful to believe that one can fight off evil spirits with daily offerings and prayers. I guess it makes life easier , especially when one lives in hard circumstances. My brother-in -law lived and worked in Thailand and on his first day in office he “cleaned” the half rotten orange and the dried flowers from…right the spirit house of his boss! He only did it once ….
I like all the daily staff surrounding the precious little houses, the plastic baskets, the broom etc. The little humble self made construction is just adorable.
Now that is a GREAT story! Ha, I bet it was only one time! Yes, that little self made one is my favorite! Thanks always for your visits and comments!
Fairy gardens and spirit houses — I think we all need a bit of mystery, magic and spirit in our lives. I would like to find a bird house that I can remodel, adorned with the rocks and pine cones and things I collect on my walks. I’d be interested in your recommendations from your favorite books on Buddhism. My favorite writers that I’ve read so far are Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chodron.
Thanks Mary! Once I get back to NYC I’ll send you a note with a number of books currently in my “library.” But what I love most is being able to attend (periodically) weekly Dharma gatherings – check them out if you have a meditation center in your city. TNH and PC are favorites as well!
I love those spirit houses. Nothing wrong with keeping your house from evil.
Wonderful pictures and I love your bird-house.
Thank you. Another beautiful post.