Ever wonder what the wildest religious rituals out there are? Buckle up, because some of these practices are seriously out there! From dangerous stunts to weird traditions, the world of faith can get pretty bizarre. And the craziest part? People are still doing this stuff today!
Thaipusam Hook Piercing
During this Hindu festival, devotees pierce their skin with hooks and skewers. Some even pull heavy objects attached to these hooks. They believe this shows devotion to their god and helps cleanse sins. Despite the pain, participants say they feel no discomfort due to their faith. This practice happens yearly in places like Malaysia and Singapore.
Fire Walking
Several religions practice walking barefoot over hot coals. Participants believe it shows their faith and purity. Some say it brings good luck or wards off evil spirits. While it looks super dangerous, many people do it without getting hurt. It’s popular in parts of Greece, India, and even some New Age groups.
Sky Burials
In Tibet, some Buddhists practice sky burials. They leave dead bodies on mountaintops for vultures to eat. They believe this helps the soul move on to its next life. It’s also practical in areas where the ground is too hard to dig graves. While it might seem gross to outsiders, it’s a respected tradition for them.
Snake Handling
Some small Christian churches in the U.S. handle venomous snakes during services. They base this on a Bible verse about picking up serpents. Believers say it shows their faith protects them from harm. Sadly, some people have died from snake bites during these rituals. It’s illegal in most states but still happens in some places
Bullet Ant Gloves
In Brazil, the Sateré-Mawé tribe has a coming-of-age ritual involving bullet ants. Young men must wear gloves filled with these super painful stinging ants. They have to keep the gloves on for 10 minutes and repeat this 20 times over months. It’s believed to make them stronger and ready for adulthood. The pain is said to be as bad as being shot, hence the ants’ name.
Crucifixion Reenactments
In the Philippines, some Catholics volunteer to be nailed to crosses on Good Friday. They believe it helps them connect with Jesus’s suffering. Some people do it to ask for miracles or to repent for sins. While the nails are sterilized, it’s still very dangerous. The Catholic Church doesn’t approve, but people still do it every year.
Cutter Rituals
Some Sufi Muslims practice rituals where they cut themselves with knives or swords. They believe it shows their faith and trance-like connection to God. Participants say they don’t feel pain during the ritual. Some even claim their wounds heal miraculously fast. While it looks scary, they see it as a powerful spiritual experience.
Baby Dropping
In India, some people practice a ritual where they drop babies from a high temple onto a sheet below. They believe it brings good luck, health, and intelligence to the baby. People catching the baby in the sheet say no child has ever been hurt. Still, it’s super scary to watch, and many people think it’s too dangerous.
Endocannibalism
Some cultures, like the Yanomami in South America, practice eating the ashes of their dead relatives. They mix the ashes into a drink as part of a funeral ritual. They believe it helps the dead person’s spirit live on in the tribe. While it sounds strange to us, for them it’s a way to honor and remember their loved ones.
Demon Exorcism Slapping
A Buddhist temple in Thailand offers an unusual exorcism method: face slapping. People who think they’re possessed go there to have demons slapped out of them. The monk slaps, punches, and kicks to drive out evil spirits. While it looks violent, people say it works and keeps coming back for more.
Mortification of the Flesh
Some Catholic groups practice “mortification of the flesh.” This can include wearing scratchy clothes, using whips on themselves, or other painful acts. They believe it helps them resist temptation and grow closer to God. While extreme forms are rare now, some people still do milder versions as part of their faith.
Feats of Strength Festivals
In Pakistan, some Sufi Muslims have festivals where they perform dangerous stunts. This includes lying on beds of nails or walking on hot coals. They believe their faith protects them from harm during these acts. For them, it’s a way to show the power of their spiritual connection.
Screaming Rituals
In Nigeria, some Christian churches hold screaming sessions. People gather to shout and scream prayers at the top of their lungs. They believe loud prayers are more powerful and can drive away evil spirits. While it might sound chaotic, participants find it spiritually freeing and energizing.
Self-Mummification
In the past, some Japanese Buddhist monks tried to mummify themselves alive. They would eat a special diet and slowly starve themselves over years. The goal was to become a “living Buddha” and help others after death. While it’s not practiced now, some mummies from this ritual still exist in temples.
Teeth Filing
In Bali, people file their teeth as part of a coming-of-age ritual. They believe it helps control negative emotions like greed and anger. It’s seen as a way to maintain spiritual balance and harmony. While it can be painful, participants see it as an important step in their spiritual journey.
Cage Diving with Crocodiles
In Australia, some Aboriginal rituals involve swimming with crocodiles. Young men enter crocodile-infested waters in a special cage. They believe this shows bravery and earns them the right to marry. While it’s super dangerous, they see it as an important test of manhood and spiritual strength.
Extreme Fasting
Some religions practice extreme fasting that can last for weeks. This goes way beyond just skipping a meal or two. Some people try to live on just sunlight and air, believing it brings them closer to spiritual enlightenment. While it’s very dangerous and can lead to health problems, some see it as the ultimate test of faith.
Rolling Around in Food
At the Lathmaar Holi festival in India, people roll around in leftover food and colorful powders. They believe it’s a way to celebrate the playful nature of Hindu gods. The mess is seen as fun and spiritually cleansing. While it might seem wasteful, it’s a joyful and important tradition for participants.
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