The Mystique and Pageantry of Southeast Asian Festivals
Inside George Lucas’s Futuristic Museum of Narrative Art
A superstition boom full of faith in Thailand
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A superstition boom full of faith in Thailand
13 Sept 13:23Key points summarised by AI
Thailand is experiencing a significant 'mutelu' superstition boom, driven by widespread uncertainties and fears related to work, finances, and post-pandemic anxieties.
Mutelu encompasses Thai people seeking fortune, prosperity, and good luck through superstitious objects, charms, amulets, and travel to sacred sites, with a 2024 study revealing 88% of respondents believe in these practices.
The trend, significantly amplified post-2020 by celebrity endorsements and social media, shows generational differences in focus, from health for Gen X to career advancement for Gen Y and trendy charms for Gen Z.
Beyond material gains, many participants view mutelu as a spiritual anchor providing mental healing and comfort, while also fueling a growing faith-based tourism industry.
Inside George Lucas’s Futuristic Museum of Narrative Art
Today 15:30Key points summarised by AI
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a US$1 billion institution founded by George Lucas, opened September 22, 2026, in Los Angeles, dedicated to the art of storytelling across diverse media.
Its futuristic, biomorphic architecture by Ma Yansong houses over 30 galleries, two theaters, and a research library, blending seamlessly with Exposition Park.
Exhibitions feature a vast collection of narrative art, from "Star Wars in Motion" and global art reproductions using advanced 3D scanning to works by Van Gogh, Rockwell, and contemporary artists.
The museum extends its offerings with a public research library, extensive outdoor gardens, and monumental sculptures, creating a comprehensive cultural and recreational destination.