My 15th Crucifixion
I’m sure there can be very few Grinders unaware of the Easter Crucifixion rituals praticed in the Philippines. This year, Health Officials have stepped up to remind participants of the importance of getting their tetanus vaccinations before the flagellation and nailing, and to practise good hygiene.
The health department has strongly advised penitents to check the condition of the whips they plan to use to lash their backs, the Manila Times newspaper reports. In the hot and dusty atmosphere, using unhygienic whips to make deep cuts in the body could lead to tetanus and other infections. They also advise that the nails used to fix people to crosses must be properly disinfected first. Often people soak the nails in alcohol throughout the year. Grinders please take note.
BBC News has a couple of pages here and here about the rituals.
Sometimes people repeat the penance year after year, like the fish vendor who will be nailed to the cross for the 15th and last time on Friday to give thanks for his mother’s recovery from tuberculosis.
A flagellant aims to share the pain of Jesus as he is beaten by a man with glass fragments embedded in a piece of wood.
And National Geographic News have a video report here to enjoy with your Easter Eggs.
I’m certain a unreasonable member of these cruxifications would want infections and such, to feel more of Christ’s pain. Depending on how many there are like that, the health department’s warning is either a piece of “No shit, Sherlock” to the people involved or won’t go unanswered.
As for the guys themselves…takes a lot of dedication, gotta give them that. I’m not religious, but I wish I had the amount of willpower it would take to willingly take that much pain. With that kind of willpower, one could do just about anything.