August 3, 2023

Our Sawa Discovery office recently relocated. And in Thailand, new offices call for ceremonies. We'd like to share these moments of tradition with you :)

There were two blessings for our new workspace:

• A blessing rooted in Buddhist tradition to wish good fortune and bless our staff

• A blessing tied to popular belief, with the installation of a spirit house to protect the space and ward off any spirits that might affect the agency's business.

In Thailand, Buddhism holds a central place in daily life. With nearly 95% of the population identifying as believers, it's common to witness ceremonies at temples or see people making daily offerings to deities.

The Sawa Discovery team recently moved to new offices. For Thai employees, it's customary to bless both the staff and the space so that business flourishes and prospers.

Five monks were present—a choice made deliberately. Indeed, odd numbers are considered lucky numbers. The ceremony began with the lighting of candles around a sacred statue, marking the ritual's start (lit by our director Sylvain, as only men are permitted to do so). For about an hour, the monks recited Buddhist verses while holding a thread connecting them all to the statue on the table.

Next came the blessing of each staff member and the premises through water sprinkling and recitations.

Following tradition, some members of our team presented envelopes of money to the monks—considered a donation to the temple.

Finally, the ceremony concluded with a meal served to the monks featuring curry chicken and noodles, considered a symbol of eternity.

Second Blessing: The Spirit House or House for the Spirit of the Land (ศาล พระภูมิ (San Phra Phum)

In Thailand, it's widely believed in ghosts and spirits. People even possess what's called a "spirit house" placed outside homes or offices. It's believed to house the "spirit of the land," which influences the success of harvests, financial gains, and the safety of dwellings. It's therefore customary to care for it and keep it satisfied. This involves regular offerings of food, drinks, and garlands.

It's a belief rooted in animist and folkloric religion.

The spirit house must be positioned according to specific rules: it must face north, be elevated sufficiently above ground, and cast no shadow on the building it protects.

In July, Sawa Discovery had its new spirit house installed to ensure the agency's business runs smoothly.

The team first placed the small temple in the designated direction. (It's worth noting that only men may touch and handle the spirit house.)

After a few blessing words, our director Maneerat Wiangyot Tucker took charge of planting wooden stakes around the agency, creating an invisible barrier, before pouring water and flowers over them.

Now that our new offices are protected and our team blessed, we wish prosperity upon Sawa Discovery and remain eager to share with you a country rich in traditions.

Maëva Dorso

religious ceremoniesCulture and Tradition

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