Devotees of the Chinese Bang Neow Shrine participated in tradtional piercings at 2013 Thailand Vegetarian Festival. The festival celebrates the belief that abstinence from meat during the ninth lunar month will lead to better health, according to the New York Daily News.
Ad
“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,” according to the New York Daily News.
Devotees at the festival use many different objects for their piercings including full swords, traditional banners and decorative tassels on needles.
To read more about the festival and see photos of the participants click here.
