A Muay Thai Tattoo, also known as Sak Yant, was traditionally used in ancient Thailand as a means to protect their warriors from injury in battle by covering their bodies with magical symbols. These tattoos took a longer time than regular tattoos because of the fact that they where drawn with needle that is attached by a bamboo rod (that's one needle as opposed to the tattoo gun) by a Buddhist monk or other holy men. It is believed that doing it with a traditional tattoo gun will make the Sak Yant loose it's power. These tattoos where not exclusive to warriors, as many Thai people are superstitions and believe in the beneficial power of such tattoos.
Some of the popular Sak Yant (Muay Thai Tattoo) are:
Hah Taew
Also known as "5 sacred lines", this is probably the most popular of the Sak Yant tattoos. Each of the different lines can have a different meaning and blessing, making it the most comprehensive and versatile of all the Sak Yant tattoos. This tattoo generally blesses it's receiver with success in life, charm, loving kindness, good luck and protection from evil spirits. This tattoo is particularly popular in the west due to the fact that celebrities such as Angelina Jolie have one.
Gao Yord
Also known as "9 Spires" this Muay Thai Tattoowill bring good luck and protect its recipient. The preferred place to place this tattoo is usually the back of the neck, although it is placed in other places at times. It's geometric design represents the 9 Sacred Peaks of Mount Meru and contains 9 symbolic images associated with Lord Buddha. In case you didn't know, the number 9 is very important in the Buddhism.
Hanuman
Also known as "Hindu Monkey God", this Muay Thai Tattoois particularly popular among Muay Thai fighters due to the fact that it bestows it's owner with the blessing of bravery and courage.
Tiger
Often chosen by business men to drive away their competition, this Muay Thai Tattoogrants the power of the tiger, giving it's owner strength, fearlessness and protection from evil spirits. Just like the tiger is respected for its prowess in the forest, the same will happen to it's owner.
