Roger Arnold

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  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_51.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_13.jpg
  • Three of the 9 cups of tea on a store front alter at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_13.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_26.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_25.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_05.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_02.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_48.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_45.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_44.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_41.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_22.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_18.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_27.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_08.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_53.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_54.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_42.jpg
  • The Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_40.jpg
  • Alter carriers dance in explosions at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.  Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_27.jpg
  • Alter carriers in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.  Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_25.jpg
  • A medium blesses a shop merchant in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_17.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_12.jpg
  • The flag pole raising ceremony at Jui Tui Shine welcoming the Gods to earth at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_02.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_28.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_15.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_12.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_10.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_32.jpg
  • A medium offers blessings and advice to merchants at a store front alter in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_14.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_34.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_19.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_06.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_36.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_30.jpg
  • An alter carriers shows his injury from a firework explosion at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.  Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_24.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_11.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_06.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_31.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_14.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_11.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_09.jpg
  • A female medium offers a blessing or advice to a merchant in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_07.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_03.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_46.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_39.jpg
  • A medium fire walks over hot coals at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_35.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_33.jpg
  • A medium released from possession collapses in his handlers arms at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_31.jpg
  • Mediums and alter carriers run from huge explosions of fireworks at the entrance to Bang Neow Shrine at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_29.jpg
  • Alter carriers carry a medium in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_28.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_20.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_19.jpg
  • A medium hacks himself in the back with a sword at the entrance to Jui Tui Shrine at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_04.jpg
  • The flag pole raising ceremony at Jui Tui Shine welcoming the Gods to earth at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_03.jpg
  • Shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_36.jpg
  • Female mediums collapse after exiting trances in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_33.jpg
  • A female medium collapses after exiting a trance in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_32.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_30.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_29.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_24.jpg
  • A female medium collapses after exiting a trance in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_23.jpg
  • A female medium prepares to exit a trance in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_22.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_18.jpg
  • A female medium collapses after exiting a trance in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_16.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_04.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_47.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_43.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_21.jpg
  • A medium hacks himself in the forehead while blessing a store front alter in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_16.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_10.jpg
  • A medium exists the Jui Tui Shrine at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_05.jpg
  • A female medium prepares to exit a trance in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_21.jpg
  • A female medium prepares to exit a trance in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_20.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_52.jpg
  • Alter carriers in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.  Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_26.jpg
  • Worshippers inside the Bang Neow Shrine at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_23.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_09.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_17.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_38.jpg
  • Alter carriers in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.  Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_37.jpg
  • A store front alter at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_15.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_08.jpg
  • Worshippers pray and place gold leaf before the flag pole raising ceremony at Jui Tui Shine at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_01.jpg
  • A female medium prepares to exit a trance in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_37.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_35.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_01.jpg
  • After lunch Lek takes time-out to speak to a room full of volunteers and tourists.  She opens by telling the group Elephant Nature Park tries to focus on education which can stop a lot of cruelty.  From the back row a male volunteer, Kingsley Williams from Australia asks, "Is any kind of elephant riding wrong?"  ..Lek responds: "I have to tell you, I don't like it.  But I don't blame people who ride them, because they want the experience, but if they know what is behind the training it is not good.  I can tell you that with elephant trekking in Thailand 100 percent of the elephants go to the traditional training crush.  I'm going to show you this video I filmed across the border in Myanmar, but I warn you, it is very difficult to watch.".  .The video opens with horrendous shrieks from a baby elephant whose feet and neck are chained inside a tight stockade made from wood logs.  Villagers jab at its body with bamboo sticks, some with sharpened spikes on the end to inflict more pain.  [Optional text: Blood drips from the wounds.  The shrieks from the animal continue.  Another villager smashes it across the face with a heavy pole.  Water like tears drip from its eyes.  The elephant continues to resist, but it can't move, and each time the beating gets worse.  At one point a villager's uses one of the spikes to stab deep into its ear canal.]  Several people in the audience begin to cry, some have to leave the room.  This is the traditional training crush, used for centuries to break the will of these highly intelligent creatures, so they will obey and perform for humans.  Elephants can be subject to the crush for 3 days up to one month, depending on how long it takes to destroy their spirit.   ..
    Thailand Lek 74 .jpg
  • After lunch Lek takes time-out to speak to a room full of volunteers and tourists.  She opens by telling the group Elephant Nature Park tries to focus on education which can stop a lot of cruelty.  From the back row a male volunteer, Kingsley Williams from Australia asks, "Is any kind of elephant riding wrong?"  ..Lek responds: "I have to tell you, I don't like it.  But I don't blame people who ride them, because they want the experience, but if they know what is behind the training it is not good.  I can tell you that with elephant trekking in Thailand 100 percent of the elephants go to the traditional training crush.  I'm going to show you this video I filmed across the border in Myanmar, but I warn you, it is very difficult to watch.".  .The video opens with horrendous shrieks from a baby elephant whose feet and neck are chained inside a tight stockade made from wood logs.  Villagers jab at its body with bamboo sticks, some with sharpened spikes on the end to inflict more pain.  [Optional text: Blood drips from the wounds.  The shrieks from the animal continue.  Another villager smashes it across the face with a heavy pole.  Water like tears drip from its eyes.  The elephant continues to resist, but it can't move, and each time the beating gets worse.  At one point a villager's uses one of the spikes to stab deep into its ear canal.]  Several people in the audience begin to cry, some have to leave the room.  This is the traditional training crush, used for centuries to break the will of these highly intelligent creatures, so they will obey and perform for humans.  Elephants can be subject to the crush for 3 days up to one month, depending on how long it takes to destroy their spirit.   ..
    Thailand Lek 73 .jpg
  • Lek with Hope at the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, Thailand.  ..Hope is the most active and mischievous elephant in the park, whom she rescued as a baby.  "I spoiled him.  Now he thinks he is a prince here," she admits.  When Hope first started living at the park he went up to Uncle Mac the tallest elephant in Thailand trying to intimidate him.  Lek says, "Hope thought he was a big boy," but Uncle Mac, twice his size, was not afraid of him. But she explains - everyone at the park must obey Hope.  ..One day a local rafting guide poked Hope with a stick and laughed as he was guiding clients down the river passing through the park.  Lek says Hope never forgot that man.  Hope would allow every rafting guide and their clients to pass with no problem, but every time that man appeared on the river Hope would run and turn his raft over.  She says the man tried shaving his head as a disguise, but ended up having to quit.  Hope always remembered him.   ..However, Lek says, "The vet [veterinarian] is Hope's number one enemy."  One time Hope injured his tusk fighting with an elephant named Jungle Boy.  The vet used a huge painful needle to cure Hope's infection.  Lek laughs as she continues, "A few weeks later the Vet walked past Hope and he felt something hit the back of his head that was very wet.  The vet could feel and smell that it was poop.  Hope just grabbed his poop and threw at the vet.  Then Hope stood their innocently pretending he didn't do it!  The vet turned away and Hope did it again!"  Even today the vet can't go near Hope unless the ground is cleaned up first.   Lek says, "Oh my god.  Hope causes me so much trouble.  He always has to show everybody who is the boss."   .
    Thailand Lek 49 .jpg
  • Lek with Hope at the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, Thailand.  ..Hope is the most active and mischievous elephant in the park, whom she rescued as a baby.  "I spoiled him.  Now he thinks he is a prince here," she admits.  When Hope first started living at the park he went up to Uncle Mac the tallest elephant in Thailand trying to intimidate him.  Lek says, "Hope thought he was a big boy," but Uncle Mac, twice his size, was not afraid of him. But she explains - everyone at the park must obey Hope.  ..One day a local rafting guide poked Hope with a stick and laughed as he was guiding clients down the river passing through the park.  Lek says Hope never forgot that man.  Hope would allow every rafting guide and their clients to pass with no problem, but every time that man appeared on the river Hope would run and turn his raft over.  She says the man tried shaving his head as a disguise, but ended up having to quit.  Hope always remembered him.   ..However, Lek says, "The vet [veterinarian] is Hope's number one enemy."  One time Hope injured his tusk fighting with an elephant named Jungle Boy.  The vet used a huge painful needle to cure Hope's infection.  Lek laughs as she continues, "A few weeks later the Vet walked past Hope and he felt something hit the back of his head that was very wet.  The vet could feel and smell that it was poop.  Hope just grabbed his poop and threw at the vet.  Then Hope stood their innocently pretending he didn't do it!  The vet turned away and Hope did it again!"  Even today the vet can't go near Hope unless the ground is cleaned up first.   Lek says, "Oh my god.  Hope causes me so much trouble.  He always has to show everybody who is the boss."   .
    Thailand Lek 46 .jpg
  • Members of Mines Advisory Group female demining team uncover a piece of bomb scrap.  Clearing sites is pains taking and time consuming work with millions of bomb fragments buried next to live bombs...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_48.jpg
  • Members of Mines Advisory Group female demining team uncover a piece of bomb scrap.  Clearing sites is pains taking and time consuming work with millions of bomb fragments buried next to live bombs...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_47.jpg
  • Lek with Hope at the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, Thailand.  ..Hope is the most active and mischievous elephant in the park, whom she rescued as a baby.  "I spoiled him.  Now he thinks he is a prince here," she admits.  When Hope first started living at the park he went up to Uncle Mac the tallest elephant in Thailand trying to intimidate him.  Lek says, "Hope thought he was a big boy," but Uncle Mac, twice his size, was not afraid of him. But she explains - everyone at the park must obey Hope.  ..One day a local rafting guide poked Hope with a stick and laughed as he was guiding clients down the river passing through the park.  Lek says Hope never forgot that man.  Hope would allow every rafting guide and their clients to pass with no problem, but every time that man appeared on the river Hope would run and turn his raft over.  She says the man tried shaving his head as a disguise, but ended up having to quit.  Hope always remembered him.   ..However, Lek says, "The vet [veterinarian] is Hope's number one enemy."  One time Hope injured his tusk fighting with an elephant named Jungle Boy.  The vet used a huge painful needle to cure Hope's infection.  Lek laughs as she continues, "A few weeks later the Vet walked past Hope and he felt something hit the back of his head that was very wet.  The vet could feel and smell that it was poop.  Hope just grabbed his poop and threw at the vet.  Then Hope stood their innocently pretending he didn't do it!  The vet turned away and Hope did it again!"  Even today the vet can't go near Hope unless the ground is cleaned up first.   Lek says, "Oh my god.  Hope causes me so much trouble.  He always has to show everybody who is the boss."   .
    Thailand Lek 47 .jpg
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