Reviewed and Updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
If you want to ward off evil spirits, then check out this collection of ten unique Thai tattoos! Discover these beauties in this curation.
For the people of Thailand, unlike other countries or cultures, tattoos are sacred.
The exquisite and vibrant culture of Thailand has produced some of the most amazing tattoo designs the world has to contend with. These traditional Thai tattoos are known as Sak Yant or Traditional Sak Yant Tattoos.
Thai tattoos are outstanding, legendary and recognized worldwide. Sak Yant tattoos are symbolic and represent many traditional Thai intentions and values. While Thai tattoos have unique and popular designs that people can choose from, it is important that one understands the culture and symbolism behind these markings by choosing from the collection of some of the most popular Sak Yant tattoos or Thai tattoos that are listed below.
The word Sak Yant has meaning among Thais, the word Sak means “to tattoo” and the word Yant derives from the Sanskrit word “Yantra” which literal translation means “apparatus”.
These Thai tattoos are done with bamboo needles, a traditional way of etching the traditional markings, or yantras as they are called. These Sak Yant designs are created by Buddhist monks. However, these tattoos are not simply given away or can be etched as regular designs. It takes a Buddhist monk years to become a sak yant master and they are the only ones who can tell you the conformity of a sak yant for you.
A Thai tattoo or a sak yant tattoo contains many rules known as sak yant rules. A Sak Yant master will tell you about the placement of your tattoo and offers to bless while traditionally using bamboo needles to etch said Sak Yant design.
A sak yant tattoo may have been popular in its own glorified beauty, but it gained further popularity when famous Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie was seen getting a traditional Thai sak yant and the popularity of sak yants spread far beyond Thailand and its tourists or even the Muay Thai fighters.
The sak yants also have other meanings and a variety of symbols including good luck, wealth, health, success, strength and more. People consider a sak yant to be magical, hence it is called a “magic tattoo”.
Each and every Sak Yant Tattoo or Sacred Tattoo (as they are considered) has its own unique qualities and resembles unique meanings and symbols. However, some of these Sak Yant have similar designs. Read on to find out some of the most popular designs that people from all over the world usually prefer, including the people of Thailand.
Five lines of Sak Yant or The Hah Taew
The Hah Taew consists of five lines of script which are believed to be the blessings to be poured onto the recipient of the Hah Taew tattoo.
This Sak Yant originated in Chiang Mai about seven hundred years ago. This artwork is believed to drive away evil or unwanted spirits and black magic, and instead bring good luck to the recipient of the tattoo.
Not only that, it is said that the Hah Taew tattoo also builds a charming personality and is attracted to the opposite sex. Ideally, this Sak Yant is tattooed on the back.
The Buddha Nine Peaks or the Gao Yord Sak Yant
The Buddha Peak or Nine Peaks in English, the Gao Yord in Thai is one of the most popular and sacred Sak Yant among all Sak Yant.
This tattoo is a depiction of Mount Meru and its Nine Peaks (The Mountain of the Gods). Three ovals are stacked on each peak and are said to represent Buddha. The shape of the mountain is believed to cast a spell on the recipient of this yant to ensure his safety and bring love and kindness into his life.
The sak yant is usually engraved on the back, but they are also placed on places like the wrist and forearm.
The 8 Direction or The Paed Tidt Sak Yant
The Paed Tidt tattoo is circular in shape and contains two rings representing the mantras or the blessings and also contains the eight buddhas and eight unalomes. The Paed Tidt gives the recipient of this Yant protection from all evil no matter which direction it takes and allows the recipient to draw happiness from all directions.
If you are familiar with the Eightfold Path of the Buddha, this sak yant will make more sense than any other sak yant. The people of Thailand believe in their power to ward off any kind of negativity.
They are ideally placed on the back or on the forearm.
The White Magician Monkey or the Hanuman Sak Yant
The magical powers of the Hanuman Sak Yant believe in the god of monkeys “Hanuman” who made his first appearance in the epic Ramayana written by Ramayana. Known for his strength, power and immense wit, Hanuman is very popular among Muay Thai fighters.
If you are interested in martial arts or have found your devotion to Lord Hanuman then you will definitely like this Sak Yant.
The twin tiger Sak Yant or the Suea Koo
These twin tigers are the representation of universal powers and make the recipient of this yant strong and fearless. It is said that the blessings showered upon receiving this Sak Yant enable the recipient to overcome all dangers and evade his enemies.
This Sak Yant is also known as Muay Thai Tattoo. It is a popular Thai tattoo design among entrepreneurs and represents their authority, strength and power.
Such Thai tattoos are usually placed on the lower back while some take up the entire back for greater coverage.
The Leaping Tiger or the Suea Phen Sak Yant
The recipient of this tattoo or Yant is said to be immortal. However, the Western world or even the Thais of the current generation believe that the leaping tiger represents the avoidance of troubles and dangers. The tiger jumps and jumps to avoid trouble or danger, this Yant is similar to that.
The yant is usually placed on the forearm and is ideal for those who like the particular animal-shaped design of the sak yant.
The 29 Spears Yantra or Yee Sib Gao Yord Sak Yant Tattoo
This Sak Yant tattoo is an extension of the Gao Yord tattoo. A Sak Yant master etches this tattoo on those who wish to represent or pay homage to her invulnerability and it is said that the blessings showered on the recipient of the tattoo bring them protection. The tattoo is on the larger side and therefore mostly placed on the upper back.
Sak Yant Thaerawad or The Jorakhae Alligator
Yantra tattoos, like this Thai Jorakhae alligator tattoo, are representations of power and signify immense strength, so it’s a popular design for professionals involved in dangerous jobs like police officers or firefighters.
This sak yant is believed to provide protection from harmful objects such as blades or swords or other objects that can harm the skin.
Thai elephant tattoo or Ganesh Sak Yant
This Sak Yant Tattoo is believed to bring wealth and prosperity to the recipient of the Yant. Lord Ganesh is known in Hindu culture as the god of success and art and therefore a symbol of such good luck to the recipient. Such a blessed tattoo can be obtained by people who wish to fulfill their desires.
The Namahasamred Sak Yant
The Thai word Namahasamred is another yantra tattoo. The meaning of the word Namahasamred is a big hit, it speaks for itself what this Thai tattoo represents. People who seek success in their endeavors receive this sak yant from a sak yant master. It is also said to ward off misfortune for the recipient of the Yant.
The beautiful and rich history behind the Sak Yant and the deep meaning of these different designs are some of the best things in the tattoo and art community. Each of the sak yants has a different meaning, is stunning to look at and widely recognized. However, if you are unfamiliar with Sak Yants, it is recommended that you do more research before getting Yantra tattooed on your skin.
In the meantime, here are some more Sak Yant designs that will definitely capture your imagination:
- Thai dragon tattoo or sak yant mangkorn
- Thai round sacred geometry
- Thai square sacred geometry
- Muay Thai tattoo
- Thai Buddha Tattoo or Buddha Nimit Taslisman Sak Yant
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