Devotees Self Mutilate During Phuket Vegetarian Festival
PHUKET, THAILAND - OCTOBER 05: A devotee of the Chinese shrine of Sui Boon Tong Shrine, pierces his cheeks with skewers during a procession of Vegetarian Festival on October 5, 2011 in Phuket, Thailand. Ritual Vegetarianism in Phuket Island traces it roots back to the early 1800's. The festival begins on the first evening of the ninth lunar month and lasts for nine days. Participants in the festival perform acts of body piercing as a means of shifting evil spirits from individuals onto themselves and bring the community good luck. (Photo by Athit Perawongmetha/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Participants self mutilate during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival to shift evil spirits and bring the community good luck.