PHUKET, THAILAND - OCTOBER 5: A devotee of the Chinese shrine of Jui Tui, pierces his cheeks with swords during a procession of Vegetarian Festival on October 5, 2008, in Phuket Island, Thailand. Ritual Vegetarianism in Phuket Island traces it roots back to the early 1800's. The festival begins on the first evening of the ninth lunar month and lasts for nine days. Participants in the festival perform acts of body piercing as a means of shifting evil spirits from individuals onto themselves and bring the community good luck. Getty Images logo Getty Images 44 months ago

PHUKET, THAILAND - OCTOBER 5: A devotee of the Chinese shrine of Jui Tui, pierces his cheeks with swords during a procession of Vegetarian Festival on October 5, 2008, in Phuket Island, Thailand. Ritual Vegetarianism in Phuket Island traces it roots back to the early 1800's. The festival begins on the first evening of the ninth lunar month and lasts for nine days. Participants in the festival perform acts of body piercing as a means of shifting evil spirits from individuals onto themselves and bring the community good luck.

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