Palad khik

Palad khiks at the Phra Nang Cave on Railay Beach in Krabi Province

Palad Khik (Thai: ปลัดขิก, pronounced [pàˈlàt ˈkʰìk], RTGS: palatkhik) is a kind of Thai amulet that is shaped like a penis. The phrase "palad khik" means "honorable surrogate penis". These amulets range from a few inches to several feet long in length. The smaller versions are usually worn on the body while the larger versions are displayed in shops and other establishments.

Origin

Palad Khik originated in India and relate to the Hindu god Shiva, who is usually represented by Shiva Linga. They were brought to Southeast Asia via the Cham people and remained in the region ever since. The Chinese concept called Yang is similar, where Shiva is represented abstractly in the form of Linga (male genitalia). Sometimes the linga are accompanied by Yoni (female genitalia). Together, the linga and yoni symbolize unity and the powers of creation and destruction.

The Palad Khik, as a phallic representation of Shiva, is also an animistic symbol of fertility. It is not uncommon in Thailand to see a penis amulet hanging on a convenience store or a restaurant, or even being sold by old women on the street. Although outsiders may regard these as offensive, ordinary Thais are deeply superstitious and lucky charms and talismans are still regarded as important.

Palad khiks can be made from wood, metal, bone, horn or ivory, and they are created by monks who specialize in them. Engraving the sacred inscriptions is an important ritual and can take many days to complete. Cast metal palad khiks do not always have these inscriptions, but they may have animal symbols.

Palad khik amulets must be empowered by the repetition of incantations, which Thais call 'Kata Bucha', derived from the Devanagari 'ghata poojah'. The incantations depend on the creator's lineage in each school of traditional non-Buddhist animist magic.

Variations of use and purpose

Palad Khiks are usually worn by males on a cord around their waist under the clothes and off-center from the real penis. It is not unusual for a male to wear many palad khiks at the same time, in the hope to attract women, increase gambling luck and protection from dangerous objects such as bullets and knives. At times, women in Thailand also carry it in their purses to protect them from rape and mugging. Shop owners display them in their shops or in the cash register area to protect their business and also bring good luck and sales. A notable feature of this type of amulet is it can be worn in places considered as lowly or unclean such as bars, gambling casinos and brothels. Normally, you cannot bring a Buddhist amulet inside such establishments.

See also

• Kuman tong
• Lingam
• Phallus
• Shiva
• Takrut
• Yin and yang
• Yoni
• Kata Bucha

References

• Gauding, Madonna (2009). The Signs and Symbols Bible: The Definitive Guide to Mysterious Markings. Sterling Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4027-7004-3.
• Mac Leod, Mindy (2005). Runic Amulets and Magic Objects. The Boydell Press. ISBN 978-1-4027-7004-3.
• Prakash, Col Ved (2007). Encyclopaedia of North-East India. Atlantic Publishers and Distributors. ISBN 81-269-0703-7.
• Pattanaik, Devdutt (2006). Shiva to Shankara: Decoding the Phallic Symbol. Indus Source Books. ISBN 81-88569-04-6.
• Guelden, Marlane (2007). Thailand: Spirits Among Us. Marshall Cavendish Editions. ISBN 9812610758.