Bamboo sticks for luck, Thailand

1962 - The Constant guest for luck in Thailand. Another Chinese importation into Siam is the divination by the lucky bamboo stick. There are usually 64 small bamboo sticks in a cylindrical box. By shaking the box in the prescribed way, one of the sticks will work its way to the top and fall out. Each stick is numbered and has an equivalent reading on a set of printed papers. A small fee is charged for the use of them. Although Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand, it presents many unique features which distinguish it from Buddhism in other countries. Oddly enough, most of the customs and ceremonies associated with it are of Hindu or Chinese origin. Most outstanding feature is the perpetual seeking for good luck which dominates the lives of millions of Siamese. Buddha condemns fortune telling, and his philosophy makes no provision for those who expect something for nothing. It is for this reason that Hindu and Chinese beliefs have become a substitute for moral philosophy, and the constant endeavour to secure good luck as an ideal way of life. The fortune teller is ubiquitous in Thailand. But his poverty in inconsistent with his fortune telling, because it seems to have stood him in scant good stead. But this fact never seems to trouble the easy minded Siamese. Even bad kings are luck bringers. People burn incense before their images, and plaster tiny pieces of gold leaf over their figures. since most of the Siamese are more interested in good luck than in a moral way of life, temples now compete to attract the superstitious rather than the devout. Vast numbers of Buddhist monks cast horoscopes, tell fortunes and sell curealls and bank the proceeds. Visitors to the country are intrigued by the lucky charm worn by the people. From minister to beggar all wear charms from the neck. These vary in pattern but nearly all are supposed to have power which is increased by their age. But in spite of the charms, and the fortune telling the Siamese quest for luck does not change them very much, and life goes on in the Orient's only true monarchy as before (Credit Image: (c) Keystone Pictures USA/ZUMAPRESS.com/Mary Evans)

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