Cambodian tattoos…not just the “average guy” in the tattoo world, these intricate works of art can come with an extra spiritual touch that some believe could save your life one day.
Today, we will give you all the ingredients you need to understand the magic behind these beautiful works of art…
Cambodian tattoos: why getting one could save your life.
The Cambodian tattoo art of ‘sak yant’ is an artistic practice deeply rooted in the Asian tradition. these tattoos are said to be a defense mechanism against bad luck and have provided protection to the locals for years and years and years.
It’s not just about avoiding bad luck. These Cambodian tattoos can also be used for a variety of positive catalysts; how to attract love, be successful in business, and generally bring happiness to life.
Cambodian tattoos: the story of sak yant
a long time ago when…
The Cambodian sak yant tattoo practice has been passed down from generation to generation. it tended to be the monks who pioneered the inking. classifying those in need with an artistic shield of “armor” that would both protect and serve.
however, like all creativity and positive movements, sak yant suffered a heavy blow during the restrictive Khmer Rouge regime. Pol Pot and his army of buffoons attempted to strangle the nation’s livelihood between 1975 and 1979 and in doing so nearly ended this magical tattoo tradition.
Many soldiers covered themselves from head to toe in sak yant tattoos in an attempt to avoid death, which found most anyway. thus, the usefulness of these Cambodian tattoos came into the spotlight, with many believing the whole thing to be a bit of fake hocus pocus.
comes back with a vengeance…
Fortunately, sak yant is still working its magic today, and is well on its way to becoming a western fashion trend. Thanks to the lucky few who lived through the Khmer Rouge to tell the story of the tattoo, and with the help of Cambodia’s favorite celebrity, Angelina Jolie…
sak yant spirituality – Cambodian tattoos
sak yant tattoos are carved into the skin with bamboo needles. They are usually a combination of Buddhist and Hindu sacred images, Pali script, Buddhist sutras, sacred geometry, and other unique symbols and designs.
The secret recipe of the ink used for the tattoo is only truly known to the individual monk, who does it himself. though it is believed to contain a combination of herbs, ashes, Chinese charcoal, palm oil, and snake venom!
The power is in the hands of the artist…
Interestingly, these Cambodian tattoos are selected by the artist for the individual. they bring with them specific benefits depending on what the individual is looking for; from dodging bullets and bird poop, to captivating a love interest, and more.
To maximize and maintain the “magic” of these tattoos, a series of fair rituals must be followed (by both the artist and the user)…
This can include avoiding certain foods, sexual acts (ouch!), and alcohol. it is believed that if these rules are ignored, the tattoo will lose its power and could even turn against its owner.
icing on the ink cake…
After the tattoo is completed, it should be blessed at several pagodas.
Cambodian tattoos: is sak yant safe?
As with all tattoos, there is a risk. however, the traditional sak yant tattoo is generally considered higher risk than most. this is because the bamboo needle used tends to be shared across multiple tattoos and therefore there is a danger of cross-contamination and catching something nasty.
It’s not rocket science…
Always make sure the needle has been thoroughly disinfected, either by yourself or by the artist.
Not sure yet…
if the risk is too much for you, but you still want to get your own sak yant artwork; it is possible to go to an official tattoo parlor and then have a monk bless you afterwards.
Cambodian tattoos: how much does a yank sunken tattoo cost?
Surprisingly, even with all the magical benefits that come with these Cambodian tattoos, they turn out to be one of the cheapest inking sessions out there.
You are expected to pay for your artwork not with money, but with offerings. things like flowers, incense and precious possessions can be exchanged for the tattoo. Of course, it’s always polite to provide the artist with some financial reward (a tip for his time!).
Cambodian tattoos: face to face with one of the most famous artists
Sak yant are popular throughout Southeast Asia. in thailand it can still be very frowned upon for a tourist to have a sak yant tattoo, as for the locals they are deeply rooted in their ancient culture and tradition. Cambodia tends to be much more laid back. result!
anyway, if you’re in bangkok and thinking of inking, this is the big boss of the sak yant scene…
more articles on Cambodian tattoos
If this article has got you seriously thinking about magical inking…check out these other articles on Cambodian tattoos! we only recommend bloggers we read often and love:
- how to enhance your life with a sak yant tattoo from teacake travels
- the mesmerizing allure of magical Cambodian tattoos from phnom penh post
- blessed by a monk: my magical sak yant tattoo by an expert wanderer
startups in cambodia: how did we do it?
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