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Top Ten Sacred Thai Tattoos

Image by Lychiang sourced from wikipedia commons

Traditional Thai tattoos are known as ‘Sak Yant’ in Thai, which basically refers to the fact that they are of the ‘bamboo’ variety, and usually hold some spiritual, religious or magical, or other sacred significance for the bearer.

Sak in Thai translates as tattoo, and Yant comes from the Sanskrit word Yantra – which is some form of mystical diagram or image originally used for the purpose of meditation. These Yantras have their origins in what is often referred to as the ‘Dharmic’ religions that came out of some regions of India, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

The actual art or practice of Sak Yant is ancient, and was apparently a part of the culture of tribal of South-western Chinese and North-western Vietnamese more than 2,000 years ago. This ancient art gradually headed south towards Indonesia and the Philippines, although today it is found mainly in Thailand and its neighbouring countries Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar (all of which, it might be added, formed part of the ancient Khmer Empire, which was big on all the components contained within a Sak Yant).

Image by Sorasak2008 sourced from wikimedia commons

The designs have become popular with tattoo aficionados the world over in the last couple of decades or so, due in no small part to certain celebrities who have travelled out to Asia to get them, and (rather unfortunately, many believe) the designs have now become ‘standard issue’ for many first-time ‘tattooees’, or those taking a holiday in Thailand with ‘get a Sak Yant’ on their ‘to do’ list.

The designs themselves are typically comprised of some form of sacred, geometrical, animal or Hindu-related deity image, along with lines of phrases in Pali that endear the bearer of the tattoo to various magical benefits like protection, fortune, or power.

In fact there are three different components involved in a traditional Sak Yant, which are namely The Yantra, the text, and an associated Mantra.

So let’s take a look at some of the most revered or popular bamboo sacred tattoos along with their meanings, in the top ten sacred Thai tattoos.

1. Hah Taew

So let’s get this one out of the way – yes, it’s the one that Angelina Jolie got on her back, and has hence become one of the images that some people may most commonly tend to associate with Sak Yant designs.

The name ‘Hah Taew’ basically translates as ‘5 lines’, which indeed this design has. The spiritual theme relates to all aspects of a person’s life, with each line representing a different aspect.

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

In slightly more detail, the first line is meant to prevent any kind of punishment that is unwarranted, and invites a cleansing of any unwanted spirits while protecting the bearer’s place of residence. The second line provides protection against any horoscope constellations which may warrant bad luck. The third line provides protection against any black magic and helps in preventing any potential curses. The fourth row works to attract good luck and success in the future, while the fifth helps to increase charismatic attraction powers.

2. Yant Suea

Suea is Thai for tiger, so this is the Tiger tattoo. It is very common in many of the designs worn by Thai people, and particularly those employed in dangerous occupations — Muay Thai fighters being one of the best examples.

To many Thais, the tiger typically represents strength, power, protection, conviction, and authority, and is obviously also seen as a very ‘male’ tattoo (although it needs to be noted the tattooing of women of any design, least of all a yant, is a very recent phenomena in Thailand, and Asia in general, and has typically always been the reserve of males in what has, at least on the surface, always been a largely male-dominated culture).

Image by Sorasak2008 sourced from wikimedia commons

NOTE: another design not featured here is that of the yant jarokae (crocodile), which is said to have similar properties to that of the tiger tattoo and so is another favourite of boxers and such like.

3. The Paed Tidt

Paed Tidt translates as ‘Eight Directions’, and is a sacred Geometric Yant containing 8 mantras which are in the centre of the design, enscribed in 2 concentric circles.

This design also incorporates 8 representations of Buddha, which are depicted as groups of 3 ovals, of diminishing size from the bottom to the top. One of the reasons for the 8 images is related to the fact that in Thailand Buddha images in different poses are sometimes used for days of the week, with 2 used on Wednesdays (1 for the morning, 1 for the evening), and these are common images to behold within many Thai temples.

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

The main benefit believed to be derived from bearing the Paed Tidt is that it will provide protection from any evil or untoward spirits, in any direction you are travelling.

4. Gao Yord

Image by Love Krittaya sourced from wikimedia commons

Gao Yord translates as ‘9 spires’, ‘peaks’, or ‘tops’, and obviously refers to the 9 peaks in the design. Some branches of Buddhism are held to attach importance or particular relevance to the number 9, and this design is also thought to represent 9 different Buddhas, each of which encompasses specific magical or sacred powers and spells.

The Gao Yord is hence believed to be a highly powerful tattoo which confers a wide range of protection and other benefits to the beneficiary. In Sak Yant circles this particular design is seen as the most sacred Buddhist tattoo.

The basic design represents the 9 peaks of a mystical mountain known as Sumeru in Buddhist mythology, while the 3 ovals in the image relate to The Lord Buddha himself. This grouping of triple ovals is also common to a variety of other Sak Yant designs.

Ancient Khmer script (known as Khom) in the form of a Katha, which is a mantra or prayer, can be found at the base of the design, while at the centre there is a magic box, in the form of a patchwork of small squares.

Each of these squares has an abbreviation related to the protective spells bestowed on the bearer by this Yant, and the amount of squares may depend on the design chosen, but the wearer will always be granted particular blessings.

The first blessing, known as Maeta Ma Hah Niyom helps to influence others to treat you with the Buddhist tenets of loving kindness and compassion. You may then benefit from increased popularity and possibly even some form of preferential treatment.

Another blessing is known as Klaeoklad, which ensures that the bearer of the tattoo avoids serious injury, and Chana Satru apparently bestows the ability to defeat any enemy.

Great power, authority and control over others are blessings bestowed by Ma Hah Amnat, while Awk Seuk ensures a willingness to fight battles for anyone that the bearer of the design is loyal to, especially in terms of what they believe is right and just.

Some form of magical protection, along with invincibility, is conferred by the blessing Kong Kra Phan, while success in business or enterprises is ensured by the Oopata blessing.

Charm, popularity and attractiveness to the opposite sex are all thought to be heightened through the Ma Hah Saneh blessing, while the Ma Hah Lap is said to bring good fortune and luck to the bearer of the design.

The Noon Chataa goes some way towards the improvement of the destiny and fate of the beholder, while Pong Gan Antarai provides protection against any untoward accident or other violent acts.
As if all that magic wasn’t enough, the final blessing in the Yant comes in the form of Nah Tee Gan Ngan Dee, which apparently helps to improve circumstances related to work.

5. Yant Samred

This is another one of the more familiar yants, as it is typically done on the back of the neck, so is more commonly-seen than some of the other tattoos which might be done in other areas.

This particular sacred Thai tattoo is believed to facilitate within the bearer the power to be successful in anything in their life, including health, wealth, happiness, and good luck.

The Samred Sak Yant design is also said to bless the wearer in that they be treated with compassion and kindness by all, again with the knock-on effect of improving their popularity with others.

Needless to say, this sacred tattoo is very much favoured by entrepreneurs and those wanting more confidence in themselves, and success with business in their lives.

6. Yant Hanuman

Hanuman is the mythical, invincible, flying Monkey God often depicted in scenes from the Hindu Ramayana story, which is ingrained in Thai culture in many ways. He is a symbol of humility and bravery due to his exploits in the mythical storytelling of the region.

Hanuman image sourced from pixabay

Stories and myths relating to the Monkey God also have an underlying moral theme, in that his actions against evil spirits are considered as symbols of hope for humankind, by demonstrating that mere mortals can transcend the worldly pain often caused by evil, material worldly desires.

The Hanuman Sak Yant bestows upon the wearer protection from any danger, fearlessness in adversity, heightened self-confidence, influence, focus, and determination.

There is actually a wide variety of Sak Yant designs featuring Hanuman, but some of the main ones tend to be the Hanuman Suwanna which is related to kindness & compassion from all others they meet, as well as a long life, and the Hanuman Manivor which imbues the wearer with good manners and directness.

Image by Yashiwong sourced from wikimedia commons

7. Prachao Ha Praong

Translated as ‘The 5 Blessings of Buddha’, this sacred tattoo design is less well known in that it is considered to be something of a standard or fundamental in terms of its Buddhist indications, and it is not uncommon for Sak Yant bearers to be found regularly in Buddhist ceremonies.

In fact, many Thai monks also bear some form of sacred yant, which may or may not go along with their initiation, depending how long they intend to be a monk for.

Some of the potential benefits instilled from this design are said to improved good luck, happiness, well-being, and protection from any surrounding bad or evil spirits.

8. Yant Hong Ku

Image by Sorasak2008 sourced from wikimedia commons

The Hong Ku is the Golden Swan, which stems from one of the many traditional, metaphoric tales about the Lord Buddha’s many lives. In one particular story he came to earth as a magical Golden Swan and lived in the forest.

The tale goes that as an amazingly majestic bird, he was revered by the other birds as their leader. One day, however, the Golden Swan met his end by unwittingly swimming into a trap – yet he did not panic nor scream for help, and instead calmly warned others who came near until he could do so no more.

The metaphoric moral behind the story is that of brave, unselfish action and the conviction of the Golden Swan to sacrifice himself in order that others be saved from the same fate.

Wearers of the Hong Ku Yant are believed to possess the qualities of charm and popularity, as well as being imbued with highly-developed observational powers, and virtues of self-sacrifice.

9. Yant Mongkon (Dragon)

Another favourite creature of much Asian lore is the mythical, fearsome dragon, and a Yant in this design can look particularly impressive.

The dragon is often feared for destructive powers, and sometimes revered for its protective qualities — and the fact that it can breathe fire to destroy enemies makes it particularly fearsome.

Those wearing a sacred Thai tattoo featuring a dragon are said to benefit from good fortune, protection against physical harm and any bad influences from others, along with increased good fortune.

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

Accordingly, dragon designs are quite common within the ranks of much Thai senior military personnel and government officials alike.

10. The Lotus Flower

In Buddhism there exists a deep, metaphoric association with the Lotus flower, which features prominently in a variety of Sak Yants.

The 8 petals represent the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism, which was laid out by the Buddha as a path leading to self-awakening, and the flower designs often come in different colours representing various meanings.

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

For instance, a blue lotus is often associated with a triumphant spirit, and those opting for a Sak Yant containing a blue lotus may get one which is partially open, with the centre remaining hidden.

A white lotus represents Bodhi (being awakened) and is a symbol of purity, at least a state of mental purity related to spiritual perfection.

A purple lotus is often seen as having associations with mystical and esoteric aspects, with designs often depicting open flowers or a bud. A pink lotus is considered as the supreme lotus — the true lotus of The Buddha, while a red lotus is related to the heart, and designs containing this colour are associated with love & compassion.