BY: CAROLINE ROLF
The halls are lined with thousands upon thousands of trinkets, each with their own protective power. Every Sunday, hundreds of men squat on the ground to study the display cases with magnifying glasses, hoping to find a hidden gem that will bestow their lives with safety, riches, smarts or even a boost in bed. The amulet market is an incredible mixture of Thai spirituality—mainly Buddhism but also Hinduism and Animism.
The specific protection of each amulet differs, offering to rid evil of the spiritual realm and of physical nature. The market is filled with locals and visitors searching through vendors’ collections for a medallion or figurine that speaks to their needs—protecting their crops, a healthy life, a blessed home. These supernatural objects vary in size, style, shape and material and some have their origins seeded in beliefs other than Buddhism.
There are no rules when it comes to the amulets and searching for the best suited one. Many claim to be made with particles from sacred temples and infused with monks’ blessings. The amulets take a wide variety of forms but the most common and widely traded amulet is one that depicts the face of Buddha or Buddhist monks. Strong believers of Phra Kreung often seek additional protection and can be found eyeing these amulets with a magnifying glass to determine authenticity. The Buddha pendants can range in expression and can feature additions from bone shards to real hair. Any combination of these elements can create tokens of good fortune and protect working Thai men from an excess of terrible destinies.
You won’t find any shamans at the amulet market to guide you through the divination process. Only the individual can pick a treasure that speaks to their need. Thai people “rent” the objects instead of “purchasing,” believing that sacred amulets aren’t consumer goods for trading. This market makes for some incredible people watching and a mystical experience; even if you aren’t looking to take home an amulet yourself.
Image source: migrationology.com, elpais.com, photoshelter.com