On my last day in Chiang Mai I decided to do some sightseening in my neighborhood. Right next door was one of the most famous Wats in town (not an easy thing in Chiang Mai with so many to choose from.
It is Wat Than Pho made from teak. You can see my hotel next door.
In the courtyard.
This is the first time I ever saw monk begging bowls on display.
Right down the street was another Wat whose name I don't remember. There are just too many of them.
A beautiful tall tree in the yard.
The lama's seat.
On my walk I came across an old Thai house either being remodeled or moved.
And yet another Wat.
On my walk I passed the Spirit House outside the Chiang Mai Police Station. This was one of the fanciest Spirit Houses I have ever come across.
Spirit Worship is as old as mankind itself. In Thailand the phenomenon goes back to the ancient days when the Tai's were beginning their slow migration from the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam to all parts of the Southeast Asian region. Spirit Worship, or Animism, was a religion by which the entire world lived at one time, and when Buddhism came to Southeast Asia, it developed side by side with the ancient spirit religion. Today, many of the old animistic beliefs are intertwined with Buddhism and some animistic practices still exist in Thailand. One of these which is practiced by every Thai is the Spirit House.
The Spirit House can be seen at a prominent spot outside every business establishment in the country. It can be seen on a pedestal in Front of every hotel. It dresses the corner garden area of a restaurant, the Front of a bar, disco or put Spirit houses are even seen at outdoor food markets. They are built on the grounds of Buddhist temples. outside caves in the mountains, near Fishing ponds in the valleys, and occasionally in the middle of an otherwise uninhabited forest. Most importantly, however. the Thai Spirit House is built at the yard of every home.
The purpose of the Spirit House is to provide an appealing shelter for the spirits, or celestial beings, who would otherwise reside in the heavens, Find a place in large trees, or in caves, cliffs. waterfalls or other natural surroundings. According to folklore, the spirits themselves are either good or evil, but most are just finicky and mischievous, demanding respect from humans and capable of disastrous interferences if they don't get their way, The spirit of the land, for example. expects to be informed when a human intends to start a business or engage in improvements to an existing business. If the spirit is not informed, and if the human does not respectfully request permission, the spirit can indeed cause the venture to fail.
The style and construction of a spirit house may be as simple as a typical Thai-style shelter or as elaborate as a Thai palace. The exact style often depends on two Factors, which spirit the person wishes to invite and how much one can afford for the spirit house construction. Construction itself is a specialized field and only an expert Spirit House builder would be considered for proper construction. His responsibility, in addition to construction, is to be familiar with all the necessary rituals involved so that the spirit to be invited will find it an acceptable earthly abode.
The house may be permanent or temporary, made of wood, concrete or brick. At certain times the spirits are invited down only for special occasions and this is when temporary spirit houses are built. the size may vary from the very small to a large, walk-in, ground-level affair. The houses are finished with statues, small figures, or symbols of many other sorts in the center within the spirit house. In addition, there may be various animal figures, such as elephants or hones; figures of people, such as a married couple or other images; and even furniture. Outside, around the balcony that usually surrounds a spirit house, incense holders, candle sticks, and vases for flowers are placed.
Labels: chiang mai thailand
The next day after a lovely six hour bus ride I arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The ride was over a very hilly section full of rice paddies and small villages. My hotel in Chiang Mai was across from Tai Pai Gate...a landmark on the old City Walls and the scene of the Sunday afternoon and evening market. 
Okay...I know you have seen enough temples but I couldn't resist this one on my route into the main section of the City.
I'm not quite sure what this creature is.
The Sunday evening market is full of fast food stalls.
And stalls full of all kinds of crafts and nick nacks.
More fast food by one of the Temples.
This beautiful old building on one of the main streets has been turned into a Lawyer's Office.
An interesting dress made from fabric strips
And another interesting temple.
I had dinner one evening at one of my favorite restaurants...the Riverside on the Ping River.
