Alaska is big. Really really big. But one of the most interesting sites to check out in the Great North is actually a series of very small houses. Tiny houses, in fact.
Why are they there?
Locals believe that the spirit houses provide shelter for the deceased, assisting them on their journey into the afterlife. The spirit houses are decorated with various colorful designs, reflecting the creativity of the people who built them, and the spirits of those buried below. This unique blending of cultures and artistic elements makes them a fascinating reflection of the culture and history of Alaska.
The spirit houses have been a part of the Tlingit and Haida Native American tribes’ traditions for centuries. The small wooden structures, often shaped like miniature houses or totem poles, are believed to serve as homes for the spirits that inhabit the natural world. According to Tlingit and Haida beliefs, these spirits can bring both good and bad fortune to humans, so it is important that friends and family members show the spirits respect and make offerings to them to maintain a harmonious relationship with nature.
Leave a Reply