Thai Sak Yant Tattoos

Understanding This Ancient and Sacred Art Form

Hey folks, today let's dive into some of the meanings behind the mysterious and enchanting Thai tattoos. There are two main places where such religious tattoos are given. The first is Wat Bang Pra temple which is quite close to Bangkok, which is known as Krung Thep to local Thais. The other special spot to receive this blessing in the form of a tattoo is Chiang Mai which is in the North of Thailand. These tattoos not only look cool but they actually carry an amazingly beautiful protective element to the wearer, if you believe in Buddhism. You should really at least hold some belief in this ancient religion before getting a Sak Yant Thai tattoo rather than just go ahead and get one so that your friends say 'wow cool tattoo'. At least that is my opinion on this topic, so as to not show any disrespect the Thai people or anyone who is a Buddhist come to that matter.

Now a little about the actual process of getting a Thai tattoo done by a Thai monk at one of these temples that perform these ancient rituals. First, the monk will normally choose the design of the tattoo. This decision is based on what the particular monk feels is appropriate which is an awesome touch if you ask me. It adds to its authenticity somehow. You can give and should give the monk something or several things in exchange for the tattoo. This is not seen as a payment, an important point to raise here. Instead, this is a gift or offering for the kindness of the monk in giving you / making you the Thai tattoo.

Now the tattoo in Thailand is not given with a conventional tattoo needle like in the west. It's actually performed using a traditional Thai bamboo stick that's dipped in ink made from venom and also charcoal. This is used to inscribe the ancient Sanskrit characters as well as the design of the artwork. Usually the general theme or meaning of the various scriptures and designs is to protect us and to give us good luck in the future.

So once you've had one tattoo, as with many people who get tattoos, there's usually a second, third and so on at some point in the future. But is this acceptable in Thai culture? You bet it is, just look at this picture of the amount of Sak Yant Thai tattoos this man has had. In fact, it seems to me that the more of these magical tattoos a person has, the more protected and the better luck that person will receive. Wow, this person must be invincible and have won the lottery several times! Just kidding, but you get the picture.