Face piercing at the Nine Emperor God festival, Phuket

The Nine Emperor God festival is Taoist, and is held annually on the ninth day if the ninth lunar month when it is believed that the gods, who usually reside in the constellation of the Big Dipper, descend to Earth for Nine days to bring blessings and renewal to their devotees. It is a major event in the religious calendars of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. As an anthropologist researching the subject for a book, I have been participating in the festival since 2010, either as a palanquin bearer, carrying the First Emperor God's sword during rituals, and even as a temple's cook or photographer. All of these roles allow me a privileged view of rituals including ritual piercings. In the Thai version of the festival in Phuket, extreme piercing has grown increasingly popular since the 1970s. It is performed altruistically as it is held that by suffering oneself, you can relieve the suffering of others. In the process, the possessed spirit mediums who get pierced gain spiritual merits, increasing the possibility of a fortunate next life reincarnation. This medium was in a state of trance possession while being pierced, and incredibly calm, no emotion showed on his face as the metal spike pierced through his face allowing the umbrellas to be slotted in. The piercing took about 10 minutes to complete. I admire these young spirit mediums enormously.