Red Shirts Around Korat

[djayz]

I've noticed many houses just outside Korat City with red t-shirts hanging up by the gate / door. Initially, I assumed it was a show of support for the "Red Shirts" (political party) but my gf assured me it wasn't political. Unfortunately she really couldn't explain to me the idea behind hanging up a red t-shirt at the front of the house besides that it was to "keep ghosts from taking the men of the house".

Can anybody explain this tradition to me? What's behind it and what's it called in Thai?

Thanks!

[riepan963]

The ghost reference is correct and well documented on this site and many others. Just google it including the phallic symbols

[dereklev]

Lots of shirts on display in our village near NonThai, I am told that it is to protect the male children in the house.

[djayz]

Ta!