Spirit House

Many visitors to Cambodia are Left Puzzled by the presence of  spirit house. These small  shrines are seen throughout the country, and look like tiny temple mounted on pillars. They are used both Buddhists and animist minorities in order to show respect to the recently departed. Buddhists believe that leaving offerings at the spirit houses wishes luck in the next life for the recently deceased, who are awaiting reincarnation in the underworld . In doing so, they also believe that they are giving themselves good luck. Such as, it is not uncommon to see spirit house at businesses and homes throughout Southeast Asia.

The ethnic minority followers of animism in the more remote parts of Cambodia also believe in the use of spirit houses. However, the spirit houses play a much more significant role in their lives.  According to animist traditions,  the recently departed  must exist as spirits  in the forests until they are reincarnated. They take great care in not offending the spirits, as they believe that unfortunate even such as disease are caused by angered spirits. Thus they leave offerings at the spirit houses in hopes of remedying illness, often in lieu of seeking medical  treatment.

TOP TEN UNWRITTEN RULES
1. Don't Touch Heads : Seen as the highest and  holiest part of the body, to touch someone's head, especially that of someone older than you is extremely rude, and an act of disrespect.

2. Bend Before your Elders: When an elder is seated, and you have to walk past them it is customary to bow your heads and stoop slightly as you cross their path as a sign of respect.

3. Use Both Hands : Unlike is some countries where the left hand is unused , here it is polite to use both when passing something over, and accepting  something. It shows your full willingness  to give  and gratefulness to receive.


4. An Extended Family: When addressing those older than you it is impolite to use  first names. Those older must be called "uncle or aunt ...." as it shows a welcoming of the  family.


5. Dont Step Over : If in the theatre or a crowded corridor, even in a train or coach, it is extremely inappropriate to try and step over people. Allowances will be made to allow you room to get through, so be patient, and don't attempt to climb over anyone's laps.


6. Don't Give a Little Whistle : The shape of the face, and the brazen confidence exuded when whistling is considered rude throughout Cambodia. Women in particular must never whistle in public, or sing out lout when not in a Karaoke bar.


7. No Straddling : Although exceptions are made for tourists, it is not customary for a woman to sit  astride a motobike, and so where it is possible one should  always sit sidesaddle.


8. Don't Cross Your Arms : Not meant in the traditional sense, crossing your arm over someone else's at a table when  reaching for food  is impolite. It's better to simply wait, and then ask for it to be passed, or reach out when you are alone in doing so.


9. The Packing  Order
The roads in Phnom Penh  are nothing if not  alarming. The only rule that really seems to stick is 'size does matter '.  The bigger vehicle always gets right of way and motors are bottom on the pecking order.


10. No Going Dutch : Be aware when inviting locals for a meal that the "host"usually pays for the bill. Although if dining with western ex-pats some do not stick to this rule.