Culture
Thailand is a country rich in religion, beliefs, and superstitions. Thai culture is a blend of Hindu-Buddhist beliefs, and many of the customs and traditions in Thailand are rooted in these ancient faiths. Among these superstitions is the belief in 63 Lucky Objects, a faith that holds that there are 63 objects which bring good luck to those who possess or use them.
The 63 Lucky Objects have a significant role in Thai society, and many Thais believe that owning one or more of these objects can change their life’s fortunes. These objects range from everyday tools like knives and scissors to more esoteric items like the copper-coated amulet.
The belief system is so ingrained in Thai culture that it has its own term – baan suan dok mai (บ้านสวนดอกไม้), which means “house with flower garden”. The term is derived from the practice of placing flowers around the 63 Lucky Objects as a way of amplifying their positive energies.
A Brief History of the 63 Lucky Objects
The belief system dates as far back as the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910) and was initially limited to the royal courts. These items were said to have been collected from various parts of the kingdom by the monarch himself and presented to his subjects as tokens of good fortune.
Over time, the belief system expanded and became a part of everyday Thai life. Today, you can find these objects in many local shops, and they can be purchased for a reasonable price.
The Significance of the 63 Lucky Objects
The significance of the 63 Lucky Objects is derived from the belief in the supernatural. Thais believe that they possess supernatural powers and can bring good luck, wealth, power, and happiness to their owners.
The superstitious belief in the 63 Lucky Objects works on the principle of sympathetic magic, which is the belief that two things that are similar, in some way, are connected in some way. Therefore, owning one of these objects is seen as having a similar effect on the person owning it. For example, owning a copper-coated amulet is believed to bring good luck to business owners, as it is seen as a talisman for financial success.
The 63 Lucky Objects and the Thai Way of Life
As a result of the high significance of the 63 Lucky Objects, they have become part of the way of life in Thailand. Thais have a strong desire to protect their good fortune, and most will go out of their way to ensure that their luck continues. Some Thais believe that luck is cyclical, and they need to nurture their good fortune by practicing good karma.
In many households, the 63 Lucky Objects are displayed in a central prominent location, where they can attract positive energy. The most common object(s) displayed are the amulets or charm bracelets, which are worn for protection against bad luck.
The belief in the 63 Lucky Objects is also reflected in the different rituals performed by Thais during important social events such as weddings, funerals, and house warming ceremonies. In these events, Thais will present the newlyweds, the mourners or the homeowner with gifts that incorporate one or more of the 63 Lucky Objects as a way of wishing them good luck.
Moreover, it is not unusual to see buildings such as banks, shopping malls or even construction sites placing a gilded Buddha statue or a ceramic rooster to bring good luck or ward off bad spirits.
Challenges to the Belief System
Despite the enduring popularity of the 63 Lucky Objects, this belief system has not been embraced by everyone in Thailand. In recent years, modernization has taken its toll on traditional beliefs and practices, and younger Thais are increasingly skeptical of the superstitions that their parents and grandparents hold dear.
Some argue that the belief in the 63 Lucky Objects is nothing more than an outdated superstition that is no longer relevant in today’s highly competitive world. They also argue that the belief system is a form of religious or spiritual materialism, in which people are more interested in acquiring material wealth and good luck than in focusing on the inner soul.
Conclusion
Traditions, beliefs, and superstitions are integral parts of Thai culture, and the belief in the 63 Lucky Objects is one of its most enduring and noteworthy aspects. These objects provide an intriguing window into the mindset and belief system of the Thai people and have become an integral part of everyday life.
Despite the challenges of modernization and changing attitudes, the belief in the 63 Lucky Objects remains a central tenet of Thai culture. They serve as symbols of faith, hope, and good fortune, and they continue to attract both Thais and foreigners alike to their mystical appeal.
