Those who took part in these Taoist festival (in which the origin dates back to early 19th Century) are required to observe strict vegetarian diet and rules for 10 days which among many includes cooking in separate utensils (for cleanliness), abstinence from sex and alcohol. Women are allowed to partake but those who are menstruating should not participate.
The practice on the whole is meant to cleanse the body and spirit with the assistance of the local shamans or mediums.
I have seen other "Mind over Matter" Festivals before but not one quite like this. Many of such kind are said to bring atonement with God. But, as I saw these photos, I could see endurance but could not fathom how these instruments helps bring one closer to God. There were varied instruments and it appears quite showy too. I tried to relate it with the vows fulfilled by Hindu devotees during Thaipusam festival but the difference that I saw was too much to spell. Anyway, that's all for the mystique practice from Thailand.
2 comments:
Great post. I have seen many documentaries on such cultures. It is amazing how they can do those things without pain and without bleeding. I think that they must into a trace state or something.
I think so. I have watched the Indian culture practice rites during Thaipusam. I have observed some who are coaxed into trance during the piercing & some are not.
The same is applied during fire walking ceremony.
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