Most of the Thai population practices Buddhism, yet throughout the country there are also important Hindu statues found in temples, businesses and ancient ruins. Every home has a beautiful shrine in the backyard. Some of these shrines have a Buddha, while others have foreign animal or human statues that I did not recognize before. After a weekend trip to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, however, my questions were answered.
I learned about the many shrines found throughout the city and within the locals’ homes. Each shrine is decorated with flowers, small beads and always some kind of bright yellow ribbon or sash. During my time in Ayutthaya, I learned that the reason for the animal statues in the shrines comes from Thailand’s history.
Thailand used to practice Hinduism, and although the country converted to Buddhism in the third century, remnants of Hinduism were adopted into the Buddhist religion. This created Theravada Buddhism, the official religion of Thailand and surrounding countries. Theravada Buddhists believe in respecting animals and spirits, and the shrines are the places where food and other goods are offered to the spirits (Buddha statue) or animals (animal statues). This also explains why so many people offer food to stray dogs within the city and are so kind to them.
