The Hing: Holding Big Power on the Wall

Ubiquitous throughout Thailand are the red and gold altars found above head-level attached to walls, known as hing. Hing (pl.), contain sacred images and photographs of kings and monks, pictures of family members, Nang Guak statues for financial success, toys, garlands, incense, food and drink, and various other items. Here are some of the types of images you’ll find, and what they mean.

Ratchakan Tee Ha (King Rama V): The legendary King Chulalongkorn (1853-1910) continues to be as honored and revered today as he was during his reign. Common pictures of him include his royal regalia as well as a western suit with bowler hat. Offerings to Rama V include fine whiskeys, cigars, and a pink rose.

Nang Guak: Nang Guak is a traditionally dressed, crowned woman, with the beckoning right-hand gesture used in Thailand, a flattened hand with fingers pointed in the down position. On her left will generally be a bag, representing money. She brings patrons to business establishments, ensuring financial success, and therefore is usually located near the main entrance. Offerings to her include good-luck charms, garlands of flowers, fruit, and non-alcoholic libations including water, milk, and cola. It is also common to give her lipstick, makeup, and necklaces. To be effective, she must be blessed by a monk or shaman.

Yai Maa and Ta Looai: This elderly couple sits side-by-side, and offerings will bring wealth to the establishment. Offerings include whiskies of any type, betel, sweets, lamai fruit, and light-colored soft drinks.

Ya Naak Phra Khanong: Mae Naak is a famous phii (ghost) that inhabits the area around her shrine at Wat Ya Naak (Wat Mahabut), located on On Nut Soi 7, near the Klong Saen Sap “Ya” is the word for grandmother; she is also known as “mae,” or “mother”). She is a standing figure, generally holding two bags, one of silver, another of gold. Legend has it that she was born around 1865, and died, along with her unborn child, eighteen years later. Her husband was away, serving in the Thai army, and she has been grieving for him, and keeping people terrified of her, ever since (pregnant women who have died are considered among the most vengeful of ghosts). Today, her shrine is packed with people giving gifts of toys and clothing, as her image gazes at a live television. Gifts to her hing image would include toys and jewelry, and typically, she is accompanied on the hing by Goomarn Thong. Visit her shrine at GPS:N13°42.923’ E100°36.449’

Goomarn Thong: These are dedicated to the memory of children who died at a young age, or prior to birth, and may be located on a hing along with other figures, commonly including Ya Naak. Goomarn Thong is the “Golden Child”, derived from a story dating back to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, in which Khun Phaen kills his pregnant wife to turn their unborn child into a sacred amulet called Goomarn Thong. Goomarn Thong figures are small male children, while females are called Goo Maree. Goomarn Thong hings contain toys, non-alcoholic drinks, and candy, and are meant to placate the Phii Dek, or child-ghost, who would otherwise playfully torment the living, unless toys and treats were at hand. As is the case with all hing, perishables must be replenished, and here, new toys must occasionally be purchased. Goomarn thong offerings are also seen at sites where children have died, or remain uncremated, as in the Pathology museum at Siriraj Hospital.

Palad khik: These phallic symbols come in many sizes and forms, and are either carved in true-to-life fashion, are stylized, or can be items originally meant for other uses, such as the widowsrs’ pestle, “stolen” for use in the Tam Sak ritual.

Mae Phra Thoranee is the earth goddess, shown wringing the water from her long ponytail. The most famous statue of Thoranee is in Sanam Luang park. The goddess has been the Democratic party of Thailand’s symbol for over 50 years where, after a rally by party leader, Kwang Apaiwong, she was credited for protecting the party from disaster.