PHUKET, Thailand Oct 4 (Reuters) – Worshippers on Thailand’s Phuket island have celebrated a nine-day Taoist competition, with many piercing their faces with steel spikes and strolling on scorching coals to indicate devotion to deities.
The 9 Emperor Gods Competition, which was suspended in the course of the coronavirus pandemic, drew 1000’s of individuals from the ethnic Chinese language neighborhood, who marched from a temple in conventional costume.
Devotees, who abstain from intercourse, alcohol, and meat in the course of the competition, say the piercings symbolise repentance for sins and is supposed to keep off evil spirits.
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“We could have spoken good or dangerous issues, so the piercing is for us to really feel the unsuitable and sins we have dedicated,” stated Patcharaporn Phromchai, after she eliminated a steel spike skewering her cheeks.
The custom goes again some 150 years.
Legend has it a Chinese language opera troupe fell in poor health in Phuket however made a full restoration after observing a vegetarian food regimen and performing rituals to the Emperor Gods.
The piercing is believed to have been influenced by the Indian Thaipusam competition.
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Reporting by Jorge Silva in Phuket and Juarawee Kittisilpla in Bangkok; Modifying by Kanupriya Kapoor and Robert Birsel
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