When we feel thirsty and crave something cold, we usually grab a soft drink. But imagine a place where those same drinks are offered to spirits and deities! Well, in Thailand, many homes, shops, and even roadsides, you’ll find small, ornate shrines known as spirit houses, or San Phra Phum. To everyone’s surprise, along with other offerings, many people in Thailand leave bottles of red Fanta as well. Scroll down to know the reason behind this tradition.
Red Fanta Offered To Spirits And Deities In Thailand
Many parts of Thailand have beautifully decorated shrines outside homes, shops, and roadsides. Why? They are believed to be homes for guardian spirits that protect people from harm and bring good luck. To keep these spirits happy, locals offer daily offerings like flowers, food, incense, and, quite unexpectedly, bottles of red Fanta.
According to the Bangkok Post, in many Asian cultures, red is believed to symbolise joy, energy, and protection. Many also think it attracts good fortune and wards off evil spirits. That’s one of the main reasons why red drinks are offered to spirits. Offering red items, like Fanta, fits perfectly into rituals meant to please powerful spirits.
What Are The Beliefs Behind Using Red Drink
In earlier times, instead of red drinks, animals were sacrificed as offerings. As those practices faded, people began using red drinks as a humane and symbolic alternative. There’s also a simpler reason — people once offered water with incense sticks, which slowly turned red from the dye. Over time, ready-made red drinks like Fanta replaced it for convenience and colour.
Bangkok Post, in its report, revealed some interesting tales. They mentioned that people who offered red Fanta to spirits later witnessed positive changes in their lives. Some even won lottery numbers. This belief also played a crucial role in making the offering of red Fanta more popular.
Even today, these beliefs stand strong in Thai culture. Spirit offerings remain a daily ritual, and the red Fanta bottle continues to be an important part of it.
Do you know of any interesting traditions? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/ @Richmond_Lee