Assignment Asia Episode 103: Divine Ink: Thailand’s Sacred Tattoos
CGTN
65,522 views
For thousands of years, Thai culture has cherished the spiritual powers of mystical tattoos inked by Buddhist monks and masters of magic. The popularity has now filtered down to other sectors of the population with teenagers, construction workers, street vendors and even tourists opting for a second, magical skin.
Using stainless steel needles, the monk inscribes the tattoos using ink made from cigarette ash, snake venom and herbs. Adherents believe that the tattoos are able to offer them protection against danger and death, as well as bring luck, power, and courage.
By visiting Wat Bang Phra, a Buddhist temple about 30 miles west of Bangkok famed for its magic tattoos, Dusita Saokaew checked out the sacred tattoo tradition and discovered its magical appeal to Thais and foreigners alike. Besides speaking to master tattoo artists, she also went on a personal journey with the devotees to understand their belief in the tattoos’ supernatural powers.
The story also looked at how Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie’s endorsement has led to the growth of the tattoo tourism industry. It also spoke to local groups who oppose the commercialization of Buddha images and symbols, arguing that getting such tattoos is considered “improper and lacks respect.”
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Assignment Asia Episode 103: Divine Ink: Thailand’s Sacred Tattoos
CGTN
65,522 views
For thousands of years, Thai culture has cherished the spiritual powers of mystical tattoos inked by Buddhist monks and masters of magic. The popularity has now filtered down to other sectors of the population with teenagers, construction workers, street vendors and even tourists opting for a second, magical skin.
Using stainless steel needles, the monk inscribes the tattoos using ink made from cigarette ash, snake venom and herbs. Adherents believe that the tattoos are able to offer them protection against danger and death, as well as bring luck, power, and courage.
By visiting Wat Bang Phra, a Buddhist temple about 30 miles west of Bangkok famed for its magic tattoos, Dusita Saokaew checked out the sacred tattoo tradition and discovered its magical appeal to Thais and foreigners alike. Besides speaking to master tattoo artists, she also went on a personal journey with the devotees to understand their belief in the tattoos’ supernatural powers.
The story also looked at how Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie’s endorsement has led to the growth of the tattoo tourism industry. It also spoke to local groups who oppose the commercialization of Buddha images and symbols, arguing that getting such tattoos is considered “improper and lacks respect.”
Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://goo.gl/lP12gA
Download our APP on Apple Store (iOS): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cctvn...
Download our APP on Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...
Follow us on:
Website: https://www.cgtn.com/
Facebook: Facebook: ChinaGlobalTVNetwork
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Twitter: Twitter: CGTNOfficial
Pinterest: Pinterest: CGTNOfficial
Tumblr: Tumblr: cctvnews
Weibo: http://weibo.com/cctvnewsbeijing
Tiktok: https://m.tiktok.com/h5/share/usr/659...
Douyin: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=ht...