Ancestor Spirit Houses: 4 Legs or 6?

[Ratsima]

On my recent visit I noticed that almost all of the ancestor spirit houses in Phetchaburi and Prachuap have six legs, while four legs is the norm here in Isaan.

Anyone know why the difference?

[VincentD]

Single post, for the higher spirits (think angels and the like). Four posts is for the 'jao-tee' (spirit of the land, guardian spirit). Six pillars would be more for a company premises or business; the spirit house will also be open on all sides. .
Hope that helps.

[Ratsima]

Almost all of the spirit houses I saw for sale and at businesses and residences had six pillars. None of the spirit houses I see here in Korat have six; they all have four.

I know the difference between the single and multiple pillar spirit houses. What I want to know is why the six pillar version is so common there and the four pillar version so common here in the Northeast.

I've asked many people and have never heard a reasonable explanation for the difference. Maybe there isn't one....

[Big Boy]

There was a good explanation on this forum - try a search.

[Ratsima]

I found one thread. It mentions four and six pillars but doesn't explain the reason for the difference.

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=21925

[Big Boy]

That's the thread I was thinking of.