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Nang Tani
A female ghost who lives in banana trees. She appears as a beautiful woman in traditional Thai dress. On full moon nights, she emerges to punish men who wrong women. Young banana trees are wrapped in colored cloth to honor her.
Ancient - Present
Thailand
3000+ witnesses
Nang Tani is a female ghost from Thai folklore who dwells in banana trees.
The Legend
According to Thai tradition:
Nang Tani:
- Lives in banana trees (Tani variety)
- Appears as beautiful woman
- Wears green traditional dress
- Emerges on full moon nights
- Punishes bad men
Appearance
She appears as:
- Beautiful young woman
- Long black hair
- Green Thai dress
- Pale, ethereal
- Sometimes visible around tree
Behavior
Nang Tani:
- Generally benevolent
- Protects the tree she inhabits
- Punishes men who abuse women
- May help good people
- Can be dangerous if angered
Worship
Thai traditions include:
- Wrapping trees in colored cloth
- Leaving offerings
- Never cutting certain banana trees
- Prayers for protection
- Respect for the spirit
Protection from Her Wrath
To avoid angering her:
- Never harm her tree
- Don’t urinate near banana trees
- Show respect
- Don’t wrong women
- Leave offerings
Cultural Significance
Nang Tani represents:
- Protection of women
- Respect for nature
- Karma for wrongdoing
- Thai animist beliefs
- Female power
Sources
- Thai folklore documentation