Hah Taew Sak Yant Tattoo Design and Meaning

What Is the Hah Taew Sak Yant Design?

The Hah Taew Sak Yant design is a five-line sacred tattoo from the Thai Sak Yant tradition, where each line carries a different blessing: protection, loving kindness, success, good fortune and personal charm.

In Thai it’s ห้าแถว (pronounced “hah taew”) which simply means “five lines.”

Thais have been getting this design for hundreds of years but it exploded globally after Angelina Jolie got hers in 2003 on her left shoulder blade.

Want to learn more about Sak Yant tattoos? We wrote a comprehensive article here.

Hah Taew Pronunciation

The pronunciation of Hah Taew is straightforward. In Thai it’s written ห้าแถว. “Hah” sounds like “hah” as in laughter, with a falling tone. “Taew” rhymes roughly with “air” but with a “t” at the start, so “tair” with a soft ending. Put together it sounds like “hah tair-oo” said quickly.

Most English speakers just say “hah tow” (rhyming with “cow”) and that gets the point across fine. The name simply means “five lines”: hah (five) and taew (lines or rows).

Angelina Jolie’s Famous Hah Taew Tattoo

Angelina Jolie got her Hah Taew in 2003 from Ajarn Noo Kanpai, one of Thailand’s most respected Sak Yant masters
The tattoo spans about 15cm down her left shoulder blade
She’s talked about the spiritual meaning of her tattoo in interviews.

Each line offers different protection and blessings

She received hers at a temple with a traditional blessing ceremony, which is just how it was done back then.

Since Angelina got hers, the Hah Taew became one of the most requested tattoos in Thailand.

Thousands of people visit Thailand specifically for this design
The difference now? You can get the same authentic design with guaranteed safety.

Licensed studios like ALL DAY use sterile equipment and FDA-approved inks. You get the spiritual significance without the health risks.

Want to know more about all of Angelina Jolie’s tattoos? Check out our complete guide here.

The Symbolism and Significance of the Hah Taew Tattoo

The Hah Taew is a symbol of spiritual guidance, protection and good fortune.

Each of the five lines carries a different meaning and blessing:

• 1st row: This prevents any unjust punishment and will also lean in your favor if there are grey areas. It also represents the cleansing of unwanted spirits and protects the place you are living in.
• 2nd row: Signifies the reversal and protection against any bad horoscope constellations as well as bad luck.
• 3rd Row: Seen as protection against any black magic as well as preventing anyone from putting a curse on you.
• 4th row: This row works to energize good luck, success & fortune in future ambitions and your lifestyle.
• 5th row: As well as boosting the 4th row this final row works to increase your charisma & attraction.

Where Is the Hah Taew Usually Placed?

The Hah Taew is traditionally placed on the upper back, across the shoulder blades. That said, it works well on the forearm, ribcage or upper arm too. Placement is a personal choice and our artists can advise on sizing and positioning during your consultation.

The letters in each line are generally written in what’s known as “Khom” script.

So let’s have a bit of a deeper look at what Khom is, and what the letters actually mean.

What are The Letters in a Hah Taew Design?

Emerging from the Brahmi script of ancient India, Khom, also referred to as Ancient Khmer or simply Khmer script, is an alpha syllabic writing system

It has seen diverse applications in Cambodia (the former Khmer Empire), Thailand, Laos, and some areas of Vietnam

It is the same reason why temples throughout the region have a similar style

This script holds immense significance in the Buddhist and Hindu ceremonies and religious scriptures in these regions

Khom script plays a prominent role in the realm of Sak Yant, or Thai sacred tattoos

It is often harnessed in these tattoos for its perceived spiritual power

Mantras, prayers, and distinct symbols, each bearing a particular blessing and meaning, are inscribed using this script

The version of Khom used in Sak Yant is a legacy that has been handed down through generations of Sak Yant masters, ensuring the enduring authenticity and spiritual resonance of this ancient art form

In comparison, while the modern Thai script shares the same Brahmi roots as Khom, it experienced considerable transformations over the centuries

This evolution was particularly significant during King Ramkhamhaeng’s reign in the 13th century

The outcome is a script that, although bearing a common heritage with Khom, is visually unique and operates under different pronunciation and usage rules.

The modern Thai script, commonly used for day-to-day communication in Thailand, and the Khom script, which retains its importance in religious, ceremonial, and traditional contexts such as Sak Yant, hold distinct roles

Khom’s application in these tattoos extends beyond mere physical inscription

It also serves as a spiritual bridge linking the wearer to the rich cultural heritage, historical continuity, and spiritual vitality embodied in this ancient script

To read more about Sak Yant in general and some of the history behind it, you can check our comprehensive Sak Yant page here

What are the Symbols Above and Below each Line in the Hah Taew Design?

These designs are called “unalome”

In the realm of Buddhist symbology, certain designs are cherished for their depiction of the path to enlightenment

The unalome’s winding path, with its myriad twists and turns, metaphorically traces the journey towards enlightenment, illustrating that this journey is seldom a straightforward one

In this journey, one may encounter numerous obstacles and setbacks, sometimes necessitating a backward step before making progress forward

These trials are but stepping stones on the path to enlightenment

This path culminates in a straight line, symbolizing the final stage of the journey: the attainment of enlightenment characterized by clarity of mind and spirit

Beneath the unalome designs in the Hah Taew tattoo, there are circles that are integral to its meaning

These circles symbolize the physical form of the Buddha, adding another layer of profound spirituality to the design

What Does the Script or Letters in a Hah Taew Design Say?

The specific Khom scripts inscribed in each row of a Hah Taew tattoo often vary depending on the tattoo master or Ajarn

The exact translations aren’t known due to the nature of the Pali/Sanskrit language used in these scripts

Rather than being “sentences” or “words”, they are more of a “code” that a specific Ajarn creates for a purpose

Our Hah Taew designs are sourced from well respected Ajarns and has been checked for authenticity

Although we can’t say exactly what each letter or line “says”, we can tell you the purpose of the blessing for each row:

• The first row: “I request protection against all dangers. May they not come near me.”
• The second row: “I ask for all misfortunes to be pushed away. May they not touch me.”
• The third row: “I request protection from all curses or black magic.”
• The fourth row: “May success and fortune find me in all my endeavors and lifestyle.”
• The fifth row: “May I be desirable and charismatic, commanding respect and love from others.”

Why Do People Choose a Hah Taew Tattoo?

Selecting a Hah Taew tattoo reflects an individual’s quest for spiritual protection, good fortune, and guidance

This tattoo is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a profound spiritual connection, who appreciate the unique combination of artistry and spirituality offered by Sak Yant designs

The Hah Taew, with its potent blessings and compelling design, serves as more than just body art

It’s a personal amulet imprinted on the skin, a tangible connection to the spiritual world that constantly guides and protects you

Ultimately though, the reasons to choose it are entirely personal and that’s just fine!

Many people come to Thailand and are enthralled by the temples, symbolism and personalities of the people here

The Hah Taew can serve as a reminder of a wonderful experience that you want to remember with the added bonus of it having a deeper meaning

What Position on the Body Should Someone Get the Hah Taew Tattoo?

The traditional position is on the upper right or left back

However, you’re free to choose any position you like, as long as it’s above the waist

The reason for this is that Sak Yant designs are believed to be “sacred” and in Buddhist philosophy, the lower part of the body is “unclean”

As a reputable studio in Thailand, we always want to respect the culture we live in and their beliefs

On top of this, we want our customers to avoid any potential issues or conflicts that might arise from having a sacred design in a position some may find offensive

Other Hah Taew Variations

While the classic Hah Taew (5 lines) is the most recognized design, made famous by Angelina Jolie, there are several powerful variations that combine the five sacred lines with additional elements:

– Hah Taew Sarika Koo – Five lines with love birds for charm and relationships
– Hah Taew Na Kong Krapan – Five lines with diamond armor for invincibility
– Hah Taew Dok Bua – Five lines with golden lotus flower for purity and enlightenment
– Hah Taew Diamond Armor – Five lines with protective diamond shield
– Hah Taew Diamond Moon – Five lines with moon symbol for guidance

Each variation maintains the five sacred blessings while adding specific powers and meanings

Click any variation to learn more about its symbolism and design.

Where to Get a Hah Taew Tattoo in Bangkok?

At ALL DAY Tattoo we have extensive experience with Hah Taew designs

We are one of the only fully licensed tattoo studios in Bangkok and follow the best Western hygiene practices

All of our inks are top brands from the USA, FDA approved and imported

When you get tattooed with us, you can be confident you’ll be treated fairly and we won’t try to pull one of the many tourist tricks or scams that many fall into

Our central location is easy to find and our friendly, fluent English staff, are available at all times to guide you through the process

For a full overview of how we handle Sak Yant tattoos, including the booking process and what to expect, visit our Sak Yant studio page.

To reach out to our team, just send a message using any of the methods below and they will be happy to advise you