Thai Amulets

An amulet is an object, drawing, image or inscription instilled with magical qualities that keep away bad spirits. Usually worn around the neck or seen in ring form, amulets are also seen on the dashboard of a car. Amulets are particularly big in Asia, where they can be seen in every taxi and most people's cars.

Thai amulets can feature any type of design or shape, including Buddhas, buildings, food, holy buildings and even garlic (to ward off vampires). Metals of different varieties are also used to make each amulet talisman, such as gold, silver and iron, which is generally believed to guard against evil spirits and people. Sometimes, sacred amulets consist of a drawn or written magical formula or a sacred figure. Each Thai amulet is really unique and each serves the purpose of protecting the one who wears it. Although many rational and scientific-minded people may scoff at those who wear protective amulets, millions of people worldwide still wear them and believe in their powers.

Buddhist amulets have been worn for centuries in Thailand. Nowadays, it seems that almost every Thai has at least one. The amulets are supposed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity. In Buddhist countries amulets are blessed by monks, usually one held in high regard by Thai society.

The Thai amulet frequently features a Buddha image in the meditating position. A large proportion of the people in Thailand are Buddhist and believe that wearing a Buddha amulet will ward off evil spirits and offer protection. Those who wear protective amulets generally believe that an impersonal power is inherent in the amulet.

The prestige of an amulet is based on:

• Who made it
• Where it was made
• The material it is made from
• The beauty of the amulet
• Its reputation for bringing luck

It is said that a Thai amulet can bring luck into people's lives and keep away misfortune. Not every amulet has the same power, which makes every amulet unique. Whether you believe in them or not, the Thai people and many Asians are convinced that amulets hold a mysterious and helpful power.