 |
| 'Magic' tattoos have long been considered by Thai and Cambodians to offer battleground protection |
"Cutting of the skin in order to allow the Buddha to enter the body and bring strength...fabrication of clothing with inscriptions giving strength to the person wearing it...
The soldiers wore magic scarves. They sucked holy amulets before going into battle. They hung images of Buddha, horoscopes wrapped in metal, and other talismans around their necks...'
So wrote Elizabeth Becker, in her fine book, When the War Was Over, about Cambodian Prime Minister Lon Nol's attempt to save his troops from death in the battlefield.
Thailand 2011
Si Sa Ket : The Thai army believes it needs the help of talismans to protect itself from Cambodian soldiers.
The chief of the 2nd Army Friday distributed talismans to his troops to help protect them from evil curses which he believes Cambodians are likely to call upon in their fight over disputed border areas.
As a result, soldiers guarding the border with Cambodia are now equipped with arms, life-saving kits - and talismans.
Second Army chief Thawatchai Samutsakhon issued assorted talismans to soldiers stationed at the disputed border area near the Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district to ward off Khmer curses.
"I believe in this and I have to take care of my subordinates in every possible way," Lt Gen Thawatchai said.
~Bangkok Post
 |
| Many Thai soldiers believe that amulets such as the one above will protect them from bombs and bullets. |
Such advice from the top is, unfortunately, all too often lapped up by the lower-ranks on both sides of the conflict. It is not a magic medal that will save these men and boys- but negotiations might.
"Stupid superstitions"? Not really culturally tolerant in some of thse blog entries. I enjoy reading this blog, but I will stop if what seems to be reported as "news" continues to take culturally superior attitudes. My 2 cents...
ReplyDeleteWhy are such comments always from a 'brave' 'anonymous'?
ReplyDeleteShould I take it, anonymous, that you don't see young men being sent off into battle holding the belief (given to them by their superiors, which was the main point of the post) that they will be protected by a necklace or a tattoo, as stupid?
Do you, anonymous, see such superstitions as a positive thing?
If, Anon, Kiwi and Australian soldiers started adorning themselves in such a way would you simply shrug your shoulders? Or, would you say as any sane person would, that that is dumb?
Which is the superior belief- PC bullshit aside; that body adornments won't save you from a bullet; or that they will?
'but I will stop if what seems to be reported as "news" continues to take culturally superior attitudes.'
So stop reading- anonymous people are rarely missed.
I absolutely agree with the comment posted here by anonymous. This post portrays a very intolerant opinion of Buddhist culture and belief.
ReplyDeleteWho are you to say these are merely 'stupid' superstitions? You obviously have very little understanding of Khmer and Thai culture, and the practice of religion and it's manifestations.
Really, Kate? Should I take it that your advice to soldiers on the front-line would be that they suck amulets and wear 'magic' scarves because this will save them from harm?
ReplyDeleteAnd do you consider that such practices would keep you, yourself, safe on the battlefield?
And I suppose I'm ignorant of Christian beliefs if I say the same applies to the nonsense that is the supposed power of St Christopher's Medal?
As for being intolerant. Yep, intolerant of men being sent out to die, whilst being fed the nonsense that they have protection. Such deaths don't concern you, Kate? Better to be 'tolerant' at any cost?
That's not for me.
Yes really, Philip. You are being incredibly ignorant.
ReplyDeleteWhen did I ever condone war? That has nothing to do with my comment here.
I simply believe that people should have the right to believe and practice any form of religion they so choose - be that having faith in sacred objects, symbols, etc. (without having people like you implying they are 'stupid' for doing so).
If you knew anything about this culture, you would know these practices are more than simply 'sucking' on, or wearing an amulet.
'You are being incredibly ignorant.'
ReplyDeleteAsserting something doesn't it make it so, Kate. Ever heard of making an argument?
'When did I ever condone war?'
I never said you condoned war- do you suffer from a reading disorder?
What I said is that men may be killed because they believe that they have protection when they do not. That means they may take extra risks on the battlefield because of a 'magic' scarf. Get it?
'I simply believe that people should have the right to believe and practice any form of religion they so choose - be that having faith in sacred objects, symbols, etc. (without having people like you implying they are 'stupid' for doing so).'
Of course people have the right to believe and practice any religion they want- I didn't say otherwise, did I? But as for not being able to express an opinion on the validity of such, well sod off! And is it all right with you if Khmer and Thai express an opinion on such matters? Because some of them- I know because I've asked- think such lucky charms are damn stupid.
In 1970, Lon Nil, the brother of the then Prime minister, Lon Nol was murdered by a crowd. They ripped out his liver and took it to a restaurant where they demanded it be cooked and fed to other patrons. Why? Because they believed that one gained the power from the organs of another. That OK with you? Or,is it not OK but you simply are happy to sanction it by being quiet?
In some Islamic countries they bury adulterers and stone them to death. Sometimes the men are buried to their waists whilst women are buried to their necks. If they can escape such a burial then they are free. The women of course have no chance. That's all in the name of religion. But of course, according to you, one should remain mute about such barbaric acts; it would be ignorant to speak out, you say.
Now, how 'bout you answer the question put to you: "Do you believe that 'magic scarves' and amulets would keep you, yourself, safe on the battlefield?'
Simple question, but maybe one that you will balk at because it requires an opinion.
Oh, and my little secret is that my God is 'the Flying Spaghetti Monster.' Now you know please don't tell me that this belief is wrong- that would be ignorant, wouldn't it?
Are you completely retarded?
ReplyDeleteI just showed your post to some Khmer colleagues, and while not all believed in the value of religious objects, they all wholeheartedly agreed that you are a complete and utter moron.
Enjoy writing your pathetic little blog, loser.
i agree with kate. You sound like you look down on all of us. Like you are better than all of us becasue of what we belive in. You think you are better than me?
ReplyDeleteWow, strong argument, Kate. And the question I put was too difficult for you?
ReplyDelete'You think you are better than me?'
ReplyDeleteNo. Why would I? I don't know you at all.
Pisey, I'm not looking down- I love Cambodia and it's people- why else would I be living here and have visited frequently over the last decade? And why else would I choose to spend my hard-earned cash on various projects, here?
But don't expect me to keep quiet whilst soldiers- both Khmer and Thai- are being needlessly harmed because of a belief that a scarf or amulet will save them. (and I would make the same argument if the troops involved were Chinese, American, Australian or from any other country)
That's my main point and one that 'Kate' steadfastly refuses to address. (witless, weak ad hominem argument seems to be more her line)