The meanings behind Angelina Jolie’s tattoos

1. The meanings behind Angelina Jolie’s tattoos

2. What are Angelina Jolie’s Tattoos? You May Not Realise It But Those Stunning Angelina Jolie Tattoos Are Sak Yant In Style The designs are unique, the style is stunning, but what exactly is behind those gorgeous Angelina Jolie tattoo designs? Before we explain the meaning of this divine lady’s Thai style inkings we feel one thing is very important: Anyone who wants a tattoo design in a similar fashion should understand the origins and meanings of this tattoo genre. We will also dispel a myth, and tell you exactly why the modern tattoo methods used at the ALL DAY tattoo studio in Sukhumvit, central Bangkok are a far better option than traditional methods for the delivery of this tattoo style.. The meanings behind Angelina Jolie’s tattoos 2

3. What is the style of Angelina Jolie’s tattoos? • The Angelina Jolie Thai style tattoo designs that attract so many are known as Sak Yant tattoos. • To understand much more about this fascinating style, the traditions behind it and 10 of the most popular and meaningful descriptions of Sak Yant tattoos we have written an in-depth article on the topic. • But, as a brief overview and before we describe the Sak Yant designs Angelina wears, here’s an introduction to what these super-cool tattoo designs are all about.

4. Sak Yant – The meaning behind the style Let’s be honest, those mystical geometric tattoo designs that adorn many Southeast Asian bodies attract westerners from every walk of life to follow suit, but what are these ‘patterns’ all about? While their correct name is ‘Sak Yant’ you may know them as: Thai Traditional tattoos or Bamboo tattoos. • Sak means ‘Tattoo’ in the Thai language. • Yant is the Thai pronunciation of Yantra – A Sanskrit word referring to an ancient, mystical diagram used in meditation. The term Yantra is a commonly used one in “Dharmic religions”. Examples being: Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. The meanings behind Angelina Jolie’s tattoos 4

5. Sak Yant has been around far longer than many realise Sak Yant is understood to have originated more than 2,000 years ago from Tai tribes living in Southwestern China and Northwest Vietnam. The art gradually spread southwards to Indonesia as well as the Philippines, but nowadays its main practitioners are to be found in the Kingdom of Thailand. You will also find this body art is practised in neighboring countries of Cambodia, Laos, and Burma (now known as Myanmar) but to a much lesser extent. These designs are made up of sacred geometrical, animal or deity designs and are completed with Pali script offering the bearer benefits such as: Power, Protection, Fortune and Charisma. When receiving a traditional Sak Yant tattoo it will consist of 3 different components: The Yantra, The Pali Script and associated Mantra. The meanings behind Angelina Jolie’s tattoos 5

6. What Sak Yant tattoos has Angelina got? Her love of differently styled tattoos is plain to see, but Sak Yant tattoo designs obviously have a very special place in her heart. Here are the details of 4 highly stylistic designs that she wears with pride.

7. Hah Taew – 5 Lines As well as having significant spiritual meaning it reflects major aspects of a person’s life. Each of the vertical lines relate to a different part of your being: • 1st Row: Prevents unjust punishment to the wearer and works to represent the cleansing of unwanted spirits. It is also said to help protect your home. • 2nd Row: Helps reverse and protect against bad horoscope constellations and to ward off bad luck. • 3rd Row: Protects the wearer against black magic. It acts to prevent curses being laid upon you. • 4th Row: This row will energize good luck and enhance your success and fortune with regard to future ambitions and lifestyle. • 5th Row: This is a 4th row booster but also works when it comes to increasing your attraction and charisma.

8. Yant Kraw Petch – Diamond Armour If diamonds are a girl’s best friend you can be assured that this Sak Yant tattoo will ensure you stand out from the crowd. Yet another very intricate design, the Yant Kraw Petch displays the Buddha’s powerful virtues. Those receiving this tattoo will be helped with regard to: • Luck • Virtue • Wealth • Success in business • It also helps to protect against bad times and failures in one’s life

9. Yant Phutson – Yant of the 5 gods This tattoo is said to inspire true belief in the virtues represented. It has remained a popular talisman for Thai people throughout history and is regarded as a ‘Master Talisman’ which has multi-purpose meanings. It shows the wearer has, and acts with great mercy towards themselves and others. Making merit is extremely important to Thai people. These deeds are reflected in this design through the amassing of great fortune in a physical and spiritual sense. The tattoo also provides wearers with good luck and advancement in life.

10. Suea Liaw Hlang – Tiger The tiger is renowned for its fearsome beauty and prowess. This Sak Yant tattoo comes in many different shapes and sizes. You will often see single tiger designs as Angelina has, or a pair of tigers. The meaning of a tiger tattoo is particularly chosen for those with dangerous occupations. Many Thai Boxers (Muay Thai Fighters) wearing this design with pride. Its representation is again 5-fold and offers Strength, Power, Protection, Conviction and Authority over subordinates.

11. When In Bangkok … When In Bangkok You DO NOT Need A Tourist Oriented “Magic” Process To Feel Proud Of Your Sak Yant Tattoo Far too many people are under the impression that to receive a genuine Sak Yant tattoo this must be carried out with traditional tattooing implements. i.e. Using the ‘bamboo’ or ‘hand poked’ method. They are also told that this must be carried out at a ‘specially blessed studio, or a temple specializing in the art. The meanings behind Angelina Jolie’s tattoos 11

12. Sorry to dispel the “blessing” myth! To go through the traditional Sak Yant tattoo process would mean a person needs to spend many years of intense temple training with a given Master. These ‘Ajarn’s’ (teachers) instruct their pupils with regard to the mysteries behind these ancient designs and any Sak Yant tattoos received is based solely on merit. A true Ajarn isn’t allowed to take money for tattooing and tattoo studios or agencies who state that having your tattoo blessed by a Monk or Ajarn is the only way to make the design authentic is simply misleading. There is also another very important point to bear in mind before committing to such a process: The implements used and the surroundings this traditional tattooing work is carried out in can often lend themselves to scarily unhygienic conditions. Having someone who is probably entirely unqualified to do so rubbing dirty gold leaf on your fresh tattoo (an open wound) and uttering a few random words to “activate” the design just isn’t worth the risk in our opinion. The meanings behind Angelina Jolie’s tattoos 12

13. This does NOT mean a getting a Sak Yant design should be dismissed! • You can rest assured that this is not, and never will be the case at the ALL DAY tattoo studio. • Your safety and that of our professional, fully qualified artists is our #1 concern. • We are one of the very few fully licensed tattoo studios in Bangkok and this certification is only awarded after stringent health, safety and environmental measures have been assessed, passed and regularly checked. • The ALL DAY tattoo studio ‘peace of mind’ policy has been implemented with your safety in mind. The meanings behind Angelina Jolie’s tattoos 13

14. You can wear your Sak Yant tattoo with pride • Countless Thai citizens and westerners who visit Bangkok are fully entitled and rightly proud of receiving a Sak Yant tattoo design in modern, safe surroundings. • There is absolutely nothing wrong with receiving the Sak Yant tattoo of your choice in a modern, air-conditioned, hygienic and fully licensed tattoo studio such as the ALL DAY tattoo studio in Sukhumvit, Central Bangkok. • Our team of local artists are highly experienced in the delivery of such designs and will ensure you receive a Sak Yant tattoo that meets your needs. The meanings behind Angelina Jolie’s tattoos 14

15. You don’t need the resources of Angelina to receive your desired Sak Yant Tattoo! Please rest assured that the price of a Sak Yant design at the ALL DAY tattoo studio is fair and reasonable. We will never push you into a design that does not exactly reflect what you are looking for. Our friendly team of English speaking managers and artists will discuss your exact needs and where necessary will take time to explain the process and options to you. In Short: When visiting the ALL DAY tattoo studio in Sukhumvit, Central Bangkok you will receive exactly the Sak Yant design you are searching for. The meanings behind Angelina Jolie’s tattoos 15