Pig Head Offering

Chewing on springy bits of cartilage from a pig snout and downing shots of 80 proof LaowKaow for the sake of a Thai good luck ceremony doesn't make either go down any easier. Today a group of 45 plus people congregated at the sanctuary shrine hidden in a cluster of trees in the back field. Since moving into our new house we have had minor incidents of bad luck: a leaky roof, a tree falling on the truck, restless nights, deer in our office, etc. We were advised to make an offering to appease what was described as a "forest spirit" of types. A pig head offering. No, luckily this didn't require a sacrifice, but a pre-cooked head. It is not an actual Buddhism belief, but the people incorporate animism or the idea of "spirits" into their rationalizations of luck and are quite serious about offerings. Women brought plates of sweets, fruits, sticky rice, pretzels, chicken, noodle dishes, peanuts, liquor, and cigarettes to spread out below the shrine (which looks like a glorified bird house with miniature people placed inside and plastic flowers hung on the corners). Incense sticks were lit and placed in each dish and stuck in the pig head -- yes, it was literally an entire head on a silver platter. Even the cigarettes were lit for the spirit. Once everyone was settled a gentleman led us in a short "prayer" of thanks and we waited the appropriate duration for the "spirit" to have his fill of the offerings. Eventually, when they have decided enough time has passed, everyone shares in eating the leftovers. To participate I consumed my share of pig and alcohol (this was at seven in the morning!) and the rangers were impressed because they know I am strictly a Coca-Cola girl at the parties. The entire ceremony lasted a bit over an hour and had an informal but solemn feel. I'll let you know if our luck changes...