The Deities Love Cherry Fanta

Traveling in Thailand feels different. You will notice it right away. It is renowned as a land of friendliness and hospitality. Speculating on the nature of this dynamic, I think that it may have a lot to do with the fact that balance and harmony are important values in Thai and Buddhist culture. Therefore, reciprocity is consistently practiced. A greeting and a bow are generously offered (to friends and strangers alike)-- and a greeting and a bow are promptly returned. It is an energetic exchange that conveys goodwill; and it is this goodwill that fuels the incomparable kindness of the people of Thailand. They embody the notion that the energy you put into the world comes back to you.

I like to compare this energetic offering of goodwill, to the tangible offerings the Thai extend to the spirits, gods and ancestors. A supplication and a gift, in exchange for abundance, protection, and good fortune.

While traveling in Thailand you will notice many ornate miniature edifices, in the likeness of traditional Thai homes or Buddhist temples, raised up on a pillar or a platform. The tiny homes are replete with various figurines. They drip with fragrant floral garlands and are crowded with incense, plates of food, and soda bottles—usually filled with red, cherry Fanta.

These dollhouse like structures are “spirit houses” and they are erected in conjunction with every residence, temple, and place of business in Thailand. They are thoughtfully constructed and arranged to honor and house the spirit guardians of the land as well as spirit ancestors. The construction of the house as well as the location and accoutrements help determine which spirits will reside there. The Thai people (regardless of age or status) show honor, respect, and gratitude to these resident deities every day with offerings of rice, flowers, incense, desserts, fruit, sugary beverages, and pleasant words. (An interesting contrast, I might add, to the blood sacrifices offered to other culture’s deities.) They further supply the spirits with figurines representing servants, dancers, elephants, horses and cars—all of which are expected to entertain, distract, entreat or transport the spirit guests.

While ninety-five percent of all Thai people are Buddhist—this is not a Buddhist tradition. Spirit houses and offerings originate with the ancient ancestors animistic belief that spirits abide all around us and inhabit everything. From the animistic view, everything is interconnected and humans participate in nature on the same terms that everything else does. The choices we make affect nature or others—and in turn—ourselves, in a web of connection and interdependence. What we put out, comes back to us. This creates a cycle of creation that flows in a perpetual re-balancing of harmony.

It’s a pretty cool concept. The belief that everything, including the land, possesses power and spirit. And if we intend to thrive in our environment, it is necessary to create a harmonious union (think Pocahontas). This is achieved by recognizing and honoring the spirit/energy that currently inhabits that space. The spirit house becomes a tangible manifestation of human desire to cultivate a harmonious relationship with nature and spirit. An acknowledgment of our interconnectedness.

The way that this principle plays out in cultural, environmental and sociological engagement is profound. Many cultures, including my own—tend to show up in a new space—not with a spirit of reverence and respect for what (or whom) has previously resided or currently resides in that space; but rather with an air of entitlement and the intent to conquer, dominate, bulldoze and convert. The Thai way is to entreat instead of coerce. To collaborate instead of dominate. To coax instead of subdue. To supplicate instead of demand. And to appease instead of oppress. I know this principle is idealistic, and Thailand certainly has its fair share of mistreatment and injustices, but my experience in Thailand has reinforced the value of interdependence, connectivity, collaboration and reciprocity.

It has made me more aware of aligning with the “spirits” of the land and my environment in a harmonious way; in hopes that they will align with me—creating peace, success and happiness. And that it is important to engage with all of nature and humanity in a respectful, appreciative way because we are all connected in a web of life. It also reminds me that we have the ability to consciously create and invite the “energy/spirit” that surrounds us. Everything we do—our actions our thoughts and our intentions are literally creating our “spirit house”. What and whom are we choosing to house?

I also learned, by the large quantity of them that occupy space in the spirit houses, that the deities are big fans of cherry Fanta—and with a straw please!

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