When I was a youngster, I had my share of dolls. In fact, my grandmother and I became collectors of dolls in our own sense. While I collected those classic plastic Barbie dolls, Grandma collected her fancy porcelain dolls. And I can’t tell you how much I hated Grandma’s dolls.
Who wouldn’t be afraid of porcelain dolls that blink when they’re held at a certain angle? I lived in fear that one of them would come to life and take my place as the grandchild. Thankfully we cleaned out the house years later, but it looks Thailand has decided to reawaken my childhood fear with their latest trend–God Child Dolls.
Thep dolls, translated to “Child God,” are the modern day version of Thailand’s old tradition of kuman thong– a stillborn child covered in gold that is said to bring luck and wealth. Instead of the traditional route, the Child God dolls make it optional for a child’s soul to house itself in the factory manufactured dolls, which are still effective in delivering good fortune. Well, for those who can afford to buy the $500 doll.
The tradition of Thailand’s kuman thong, or “golden boy,” is a process where a stillborn fetus is surgically removed from the mother’s womb. Following the removal, there must be a ceremony performed to bind the child’s soul to Kuman. The stillborn baby is dry-roasted over a fire while a necromancer chants ceremonial mantras and once dried, the corpse is covered in lacquer and gold foil.
Much like having your own child, a Kuman must be taken good care of in order for your good fortune to start flooding in. The same goes for the Child God Dolls.
So what’s the worst to be expected when you neglect the idol? We don’t want to find out. You better keep the dolls happy with toys and sweets!
