Nang Kwak

Introduction

Nang Kwak is a household deity in Thai folklore and it is believed that she can bring good fortune and attract business. This deity is commonly seen wearing a red-coloured dress and carrying a rice dish. Nang Kwak is an incarnation of Mae Po Sop, the Thai rice goddess and is also believed to be a version of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.

Where money and business are concerned, a certain charm that is dedicated to Nang Kwak can make the difference between a profitable and a losing venture. This is said to attract wealth and good fortune to most Thai businesses. Nang Kwak charm or figurine is usually placed on the counter of a restaurant, a shop, or on her own mini altar shelf. In Thai households, she is known to appear wherever she is needed to attract wealth and good fortune.

Since she is considered a deity, many people in Thailand have a statue of her or a cloth poster of her in their home or shop. They also wear amulets around their neck to keep the blessings of Nang Kwak close at hand.

Physical Traits

Nang Kwak is usually depicted as a beautiful woman in a red dress with a golden crown on her head. Her right hand is raised in the Thai way of beckoning a customer, with the palm of the hand curved and pointing downwards. She is also known to hold a bag full of gold near her.

The present image of Nang Kwak is an incarnation of the rice goddess known as Mae Po Sop but she does not wear the sheaf on her shoulder like the other rice goddesses. The iconography of Nang Kwak is based on the Hindu goddess Sri Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. The position of her hand in present-day imagery is similar to the Japanese Maneki Neko beckoning cat.

Family

A man named Sujidtaprahma is believed to have lived with his wife in the Indian district of Sawadtii. He used a cart to bring their products to markets farther away and his daughter, Supawadii, would accompany them.

When she heard a sermon given by Phra Gasabatera one day, Supawadii was suitably impressed and became a devotee. On seeing Supawadii’s devotion, Gasabatera being an Arahant or “Elightened Saint”, blessed her so that she would have power to attract business, wealth, and prosperity. This led to her parents being extremely wealthy along with everyone who followed her.

Other Names

Following her death, people began worshipping her image. Her image was later changed to a modern day depiction of the Beckoning Lady. She became known as Nang Kwak or the Beckoning Lady, Kwak or “Gwak” meaning beckoning or waving.

Powers and Abilities

She is supposed to bring luck and prosperity to businessmen and traders who worship her.

Modern Day Influence

No place of business in Thailand is without a figurine or a representation of Nang Kwak in some form. It has become synonymous with places of business and good luck in modern times.