The spirits are amongst us
Mankind is not alone in nature. Many spirits, called Phi in Lao, surround us. The term Phi is very general and encompasses several categories of genies and supernatural beings who can be wither well-intention or evil
Good Phi are generally found in particular locations. They are guardians of places, like The Phi Ban, The Phi Muang, The Phi Heuan spirits of the village, of the city, of the house. They are honored with offering of candles, incense, flower or fruits. Spirits inhabit the great and beautiful trees. The Ton Pho (Ficus religiosa) represents Buddha in the pagodas, but in the forest other tree are honored. They preside over certain curative rites such as the propping up of the fig, during which a branch of the tree is held up by a stake so that the sick person (the subject of the rite) is supported as well. Supporting the tree is supporting the person
Evil Phi are everywhere. There are The Phi Phet, phantoms of people who have accumulated bad karma. Particularly frightening is the spirit of a stillborn child or that of a person killed in an accident The Phi Kong Koy walks backward to hide its tracks, and The Phi Pop possesses its victim, who then become in turn a Phi Pop. Fortunately, we can protect ourselves against these intruders by nailing a burning an irritating wood like that of Ton Mi (Sohima wallichi). In the courtyard in front of the house we can plant spiny cactuses, which frighten spirits. It is also helpful to wear beneficial leaves like Phi Seua Noy (Vitex trifolia) on one’s body, keeping evil a bay. If a sorcerer has already attacked someone, the sick or possesses person can be struck with a whip made of the leaves of cardamom, Kavan (Amomu, spp.), to break the spell
