When someone says ‘amulets’ these days, crucifix necklaces and Buddha pendants may be the first images to spring to mind. But they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the wacky world of strange amulets! Here are some shockingly weird charms you can still buy today.
Crickets in a Cage
While some might think pet crickets make for strange amulets, it was once a commonplace accessory in China, Japan and other parts of South East Asia. In fact, it is believed that the practice of keeping pet crickets dates all the way back to China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907). Crickets were kept not only for their melodious chirps, but also because they were symbols of fertility and good harvests.
Tibetan Dzi Stones
Tibetan dzi stones are as mysterious as they are sought after. Some claim these strange amulets were imported into Tibet as ‘evil eye’ wards after a military raid into Persia many centuries ago. Others, including local Tibetans, believe these mysterious items are made by Mother Nature herself. Despite the contention over its provenance, many agree that these rocks imbue spiritual protection on its wearer, a fact that’s well-reflected in its astronomical prices. The value of dzi stones also increases exponentially based on the number or ‘eyes’, or circles, that can be seen on its surface, as it is a direct reflection of its potency.
Rabbit’s Foot
Some may be surprised to learn that the tradition of using rabbit’s foot as amulets has been around for well over two millennia. While many cultures have killed rabbits for their prized paws, perhaps the most notable (and gruesome) might just be in the African American magical practices of hoodoo. The quasi-religion, which was transplanted by captured African slaves to the US, dictates that only the left hind foot of a rabbit captured and killed in a graveyard hold beneficial properties of good luck, courage and fertility.
Jackal’s Horn
So what exactly is a jackal’s horn? It’s a bony protuberance occasionally found on the skull of golden jackals. It is among the rarest of strange amulets because it occurs so sporadically in the wild. Various peoples of South Asia believe that it can, in turn, provide gamblers with indefatigable luck, ward off evil spirits, and keep its bearer safe from legal troubles.
Thailand’s Ban Neng Pendants
At the more gruesome end of the spectrum for strange amulets lie Thailand’s Ban Neng (bone carving) pendants. These tiny tokens often contain the very real mortal remains of a Hong Prai spirit – the ghost of someone who died an untimely and tragic death. The amulets are said to command these spirits to work their will in aid of the pendant’s wearer. Despite its almost-necromantic overtones, superstitious Thais still clamour to snap them up in the hope of improving love lives, business ventures and social connections.
Note: If these strange amulets are turning your stomach, check out our story on amulet-inspired high jewellery for a refreshing change of pace at: //www.gafencushop.com/mystical-amulets/
Text: Tenzing Thondup