“Suppose a water buffalo or a snake or a cow died on that property. A satong is used get rid of whatever spirits reside there. Then the homeowners will be content knowing that any ill will has been removed,” a neighbor explained.

A satong is a small square-like tray made from a banana plant. It is adorned with flags on the corners and filled with food that the homeowners use in daily cooking. During a house dedication ceremony, one satong is placed in the center of the house and then four others are place in front of each corner on the outside the house. Buddhist monks then chant over each of the satongs for a few minutes and sprinkle holy water on it. Then they place a rock in the satong before moving on the next one. The monks always start in the NE corner and work their way around the house clockwise.

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