Thai protective tattoos

Thai tattoos are much more than just decorative art. The people who get them inked believe that every tattoo has protective properties. And it is in search of protection that people gather at the temple of Vai Khru every spring.

The ritual associated with protective tattoos is a combination of the traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Brahminism and animism. Believers come to honor their religious teachers and receive tattoos made by them. It is important not only to apply a tattoo, but also the magical reproduction of patterns. It is believed that once applied, a tattoo provides protection, and in a country where people's lives are not particularly stable, such protection is especially necessary.

Tattoo artists use long sharp needles. The photo was taken at the Wai Khru Tattoo Festival in Bangkok.

It is believed that tattoos, the patterns of which are developed by the master himself, have protective properties.

Every year, believers return to the temple, adding more and more patterns to their bodies.

And outside, under the scorching Thai sun, believers meditate.

Overwhelmed by the spirits embodied in their tattoos, they enter a trance state.

Believers imitate Hanuman - the divine monkey, as well as lions, tigers, bears and eagles.

It is believed that the ink used to make tattoos contains a special ingredient, probably including snake venom. Many believe that these ingredients help induce a hypnotic state.

In a state of trance, believers run to the temple ahead of the crowd.

When entering a trance, believers scream, shriek, and howl.

It takes considerable stamina and strength to restrain those who have entered the trance state.

At the end of the ceremony, the crowd gathers at the ledge of the temple, from where one of the templars pours sacred water over them.