Kingdom of Thailand
Donated by the Kingdom of Thailand to Gatineau. The unveiling on September 12, 2002 was attended by his Excellency Ambassador Sunai Bunyasiriphant and Mayor Yves Ducharme.
Unique little houses like this can be found outside businesses and private residences in Thailand. They are shelters for Phra Chai Mongkon, the celestial guardian of businesses, homes and properties. A spirit house can be seen as an expression of gratitude to Phra Chai Mongkon for his care and protection.
From a philosophical point of view, a spirit house symbolizes the current occupants' recognition and respect for the property's ancestors. Respect and gratitude expressed in the form of meditation and prayer to Phra and the ancestors are thought to make a person more meritorious.
Recognized for its quality of life, Gatineau is a city of 292,000 inhabitants. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, and extends east and west of the Gatineau River.