Just Photos: The Nine Emperor Gods

Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods, Tanah Rata, Malaysia

Here's some pics from the opening ceremony of the Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods in Tanah Rata. I don't mean to be in any way disrespectful, but that's some serious body piercing! The participant in the last photo executed about six swift revolutions, intentionally dashing the end of his - um - accoutrement onto the road surface on each turn. I knew this type of obeisance was practiced in Hindu ceremonies, but had no idea it was also to be found in Taoism...