Who is Mae Sue?

Background

According to Thai belief, every pregnant woman has a Mae Sue with her during pregnancy. These spirits protect the unborn child from harm. In Thai literature, the term Mae Sue also refers to wandering female spirits who care for abandoned or lost children. Mae Sue are also said to haunt cemeteries and temples.

Some people believe that Mae Sue are the spirits of stillborn children or women who died in childbirth. The Thais offer food and gifts to the Mae Sue to appease them and prevent them from harming the living. There are many stories and folk tales about Mae Sue, and they remain a popular theme in Thai culture.