RELIGIOUS HARMONY - BUDDIHISM AND ANIMISM

First off, I will admit I did not know what Animism was. I kept thinking they meant Atheism and it was a communication/English issue. But I was wrong. Although Buddhism is the main religion in Laos it coexists with Animism. The Lao people believe in “Phi”, a word that means spirit, soul or ghost. Most Laotians would tell you about a “Phi” who visits them when they are asleep “Phis” are everywhere. They can be good, bad, mischievous, and can be found in trees, animals, houses or people. To protect themselves and show respect, people build a “genie” house, a small alter which is placed in a precise spot, in front of the house or in the garden. The “house” is always sheltered from the sun, and people offer food and drinks to keep the spirits in peace.