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Zebras have no obvious connections with Thailand nor do they have any association with Buddhism or animist beliefs so why are they placed at shrines?
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Zebras have no obvious connections with Thailand nor do they have any association with Buddhism or animist beliefs so why are they placed at shrines?
Most people who place zebras at shrines are wishing for safe travel and protection on the road. Zebra represents safety because the animal is associated with the pedestrian crossings on roads. In Thailand these crossings are painted black and white and know as ‘tang ma lai‘ (literally ‘path zebra’).
Another theory involves the flower garlands that are laid at shrines and spirit houses throughout Thailand. In Thai these are known as ‘puang maa lai‘ which is often simplified to ‘maa lai‘. With the Thai word for zebra being ‘ma lai‘ the play on words could explain why zebras have become a popular offering at some shrines. Combined with the belief that some spirits are also supposed to be fond of exotic animals, zebras might logically be seen as a good offering to keep the spirits happy.