Changing Names for Good Luck: A Thai Cultural Tradition
Introduction
Have you ever met anyone who has changed their name because the name their parents gave them was too ridiculous? I recently met a man named Coco, and it reminded me of the interesting world of name changes in Thai culture. It isn’t unusual for Thais to change their names for better luck or to overcome bad luck. Read on to explore the fascinating practice of name-changing through consultation with revered monks.
Prince and Legal Name Ownership
Uproarious stories about celebrities changing their names are not unfamiliar to us. A notable example is Prince, who legally owned his stage name but struggled with its copyright issues. This led to a period where he was known as “the artist formerly known as Prince.” Thankfully, the legal disputes were settled, and he returned to using his original name.
Thais and the Art of Name Change
In Thai culture, changing names for good luck or to address personal issues is a common practice. Any significant life event such as facing bad investments, experiences of broken hearts, accidents, or even losses can lead someone to seek a new name. Many Thais turn to revered monks for advice on these matters.
Seeking Advice from Monks
When seeking a new name, a revered monk is often consulted. The process typically starts with the monk hearing the individual’s grievances and concerns. Important details such as the person’s birthdate and location are noted down carefully. The monk may also require that certain rites be performed to honor the process. The monk’s decision can range from providing a new full name or just the first letter of a name, to setting a date for the change.
The Ceremony
Following the consultation, the monk gives the new name or part of the name, along with the auspicious day for the change. Sometimes, a blessing rite is performed to seal the recommendation and ensure its effectiveness. The waiting period before the actual name change can build anticipation and emphasize the importance of the monk’s advice.
A Strange Personal Story: Suchat and the Old Enemy
A particularly fascinating story comes from an adult student named Suchat. He had experienced a series of bad luck in both his personal and professional life. Suchat decided to consult a revered monk, traveling for over ten hours to seek help. He was one of many unannounced visitors during the monk’s session.
During the session, Suchat was asked to write down his first, last, and nicknames, along with his birthdate. The monk refused to hear any other information and spent nearly an hour meditating. Following the meditation, the monk informed Suchat that he was being plagued by the spirit of an old man who mistakenly thought Suchat was his old enemy due to their similar names. The monk then provided Suchat with new first, last, and nicknames, and other monks performed a blessing ceremony.
The Reveal
Afraid of the reaction of his family, Suchat didn’t reveal his new names to his mother right away. However, when he finally did, his mother was taken aback, saying, “That was your great great grandfather’s name!” Suchat’s life did indeed change significantly for the better, underscoring the powerful impact of his new name.
The Question of Recognition
It's essential to note that Suchat/Boonjai’s mother did not recognize her great great grandfather’s name due to the cultural practice of referring to relatives only by honorifics and nicknames. This highlights the complexity and cultural nuances of the Thai naming system and the importance of understanding the usage of names within a family context.
Conclusion
While it might seem absurd to outsiders, the practice of changing names in Thai culture is deeply rooted in tradition and belief. For those facing significant life challenges or wishing to turn their fortunes around, consulting a revered monk and seeking a new name can be a meaningful and impactful step. Whether for legal, cultural, or spiritual reasons, name changes can have a profound effect on a person’s life.