Just Who Are Dta And Yai (ตา And ยาย)?

[simon43]

I actually don't think this is anything to do with Buddism, do I'm posting this in the general section.

My Thai wife (yes, we are speaking again!), makes daily offerings to the effigies of an old man and woman - Dta and Yai. She tells me that these are 2 mythical figures who can give good luck to businesses.....

When we opened the hotel, a 'spiritulist ajarn' came to the hotel and went in a trance during which time he assumed these personalities, dressing up as the old man and then old woman, and walking around our hotel bent double, speaking in a squeaky voice and throwing lucky rice everywhere, (don't laugh - I'm not making this up!!)

Does anyone know more about these figures and what the belief is?

Simon

[lingling]

My Thai wife (yes, we are speaking again!), makes daily offerings to the effigies of an old man and woman - Dta and Yai. She tells me that these are 2 mythical figures who can give good luck to businesses.....

Maternal grandparents...

[simon43]

Maternal grandparents...

[\quote]

Yes, I know what the Thai means! I want to try to understand more about these figures, (since I have seen their representation/pictures in other houses)

Simon

[chownah]

My wife says that she is praying to her own maternal grandfather and grandmother....I guess the dolls are for focus....I guess....my wife doesn't know why exactly people do this...she says she doesn't do this....but she knows about it.

Chownah