As the government lottery draw approaches, the name" Phaya Bueng " often appears in news and social media. But what exactly is this creature, and why has it become a symbol of hope for gamblers?
"Bueng" is a large spider, with adults measuring about 2.5–10 centimeters in body length. It has a black body densely covered with hair and moves slowly. Females may have brownish-black hair on their abdomen and can live up to 10 years, while males average around 5 years.
Bueng grows without changing its basic form, meaning spiderlings hatch looking similar to adults and gradually grow over time. Females lay eggs from May to June, wrapping them in silk and storing them inside their burrows.
Upon hatching, spiderlings resemble white jelly-like masses and stay in the nest with the mother for about one month before dispersing to hunt alone. At about one year old, their bodies start turning brown, and by three years, they reach maturity with fully black bodies and can build their own burrows.
Bueng digs burrows about 45 centimeters deep under grasslands or forest edges and creates white silk around the burrow entrance. When insects, crickets, centipedes, or lizards pass nearby, Bueng senses their movement, attacks by biting, and injects venom to subdue prey before eating.
The venom affects small animals. For humans, a bite can cause pain, swelling, and redness at the site. Those with severe allergies may experience serious reactions, so it's advised not to disturb or handle Bueng with bare hands.
The spider’s burrow-dwelling behavior has been linked to lottery superstitions. In some villages, the Bueng used in rituals is called "Phaya Bueng," with beliefs tied to burrows facing east, considered an auspicious direction.
This belief is based on Bueng’s habit of removing foreign objects from its burrow. When rolled papers with numbers are dropped inside, Bueng may bring some rolls to the entrance. Locals interpret the numbers on these papers as lucky lottery numbers, creating a ritual known as "asking Phaya Bueng for numbers." Some winners have reinforced the belief that "Phaya Bueng" brings luck.
The ritual is performed in the evening or at night, when Bueng is active, following these common steps:
1. Light incense to ask sacred powers to open luck and fortune, then offer the five symbolic items to inform Phaya Bueng.
2. Write the numbers 0 to 9 separately on pieces of paper and roll each one neatly.
3. Drop the rolled papers into the Bueng’s burrow during its active evening or night hours.
4. Once the foreign objects are inside, Bueng will bring some rolled papers out and scatter them at the burrow entrance.
5. Gamblers then interpret the numbers on these papers as lottery numbers to use for that draw.
The practice of asking for numbers from Phaya Bueng is a personal belief. However, approaching Bueng’s burrow requires great caution due to their venomous bite, which can cause pain, swelling, or allergic reactions. Avoid handling or unnecessary close contact.
Additionally, the ritual must not disturb the spider’s natural habitat. Prolonged shining of light or inserting objects into the burrow can disrupt Bueng’s life and cause stress. Responsible gambling includes safety for oneself and protecting nature.