A number of books have been published recently about the tattoo culture in Thailand. Thai tattoo culture has a unique history and expression. Many tourists visiting Bangkok and other Thai cities today may decide to get a tattoo in that country, but many may not realize the rich cultural history of the practice.
For example, Thailand’s sak yant tattoo culture has attracted much attention in recent years. Also known as spirit tattoos, sak yant tattoos are worn as expressions of faith by sak yant masters. The culture may date back to the 4yth century, when an Indian Emperor sent out missionaries to educate people about Buddhism. At the time, Hindus were using mystical diagrams known as vantra as protective signs. These symbols were imprinted on metal and cloth, but in Southeast Asia, people began wearing these symbols on their skin as protective symbols. There is evidence of the practice 1000 years ago in Cambodia.
Today in Thailand many people get sak yant tattoos because they believe that the signs and symbols of the tattoos have special powers to protect and even work miracles. However, the sak yant tattoo culture is not just about tattoo ink and tattoo needles. The tattoos are given by sak yant tattoo masters. These masters create the tattoos, but they also provide advice to clients. In order for the tattoos to work and to provide protection, wearers must obey the rules of the tattoo master.
Becoming a sak yant tattoo master is an involved practice. It involves working with an established master and learning the mantras. After a long apprenticeship, the new master is made a tattoo master at a special ceremony. The process can take years, especially since the language of the designs is intricate. The writing in sak yant tattoos is Pali, a language from India’s past. The mantras are translated and written in Khom, an old Cambodian set of letters. As well, masters need to use tattoo inks and tattoo equipment correctly in order to give tattoos safely, just like any tattoo artist.
Thailand’s tourism industry may affect its tattoo culture. Many non-Thais come to Thailand and decide to get a tattoo. Some decide on religious symbols or even decide on sak yant-style designs from a commercial parlor. This can create some tensions, since Thais consider some religious tattoos inappropriate. For example, getting religious tattoos below the waist is often considered offensive, as in Thai culture the head is considered sacred and the feet are considered profane.
Related posts:
- Ed Hardy Clothes – A Powerful Fashion Statement From celebrities to ordinary people, everybody is gradually discovering the...