Mae Phosop (Rice Goddess)
Mae Phosop (Lao: ແມ່ໂພສົບ, Thai: แม่โพสพ, 'Mother of the Rice Kernel') is the ancient rice goddess revered in Lao, Thai, and Isan agricultural traditions. According to legend, she was a beautiful celestial maiden who descended to earth to become the spirit of rice — the essence that sustains all life. In primordial times, rice grew as large as pumpkins and flew directly into granaries by itself. However, a careless woman struck a rice kernel with her broom in anger, and the offended rice spirit withdrew into hiding, causing famine. The people had to perform elaborate ceremonies to call Mae Pho