Spirit Houses

Although Buddhism is the main religion, animism (spirit or ancestor worship) is still prominent in Laos.

Many believe that spirits co-exist with the living. House spirits, as the name suggests, are spirits that inhabit and surround a house or building.

An important way to ensure that house spirits are respected is to keep and maintain a spirit house.  These little shrines are where the spirits can have their own space so that they don’t cause problems and are encouraged to protect your home.

In Luang Prabang, spirit houses are everywhere – outside homes, businesses, guesthouses, you name it.

* Just been notified that this is my 1500th entry. Love the new camera but love all you wonderful Blip buddies more. Thank you to everyone for being such an important and enjoyable  part of my journal and for making me smile on a daily basis.  xxx