Obedience and Sacrifice

Piercing the tongue has a long history in religious and performance practices.  Mesoamericans such as the Aztecs practiced this as well as other perforations as a part of offerings to their deities.  Islamic Fakirs and Sufis from the Middle East, and Asian Spirit Mediums from the Far East practiced tongue piercing as an offering and proof of trance state.  Here in Mauritius, it is Hindus of various sects who practice it as a sign of obedience and sacrifice.

Likewise, the tradition of firewalking is part of several traditions here in Mauritius.  Firewalking is the art of walking barefoot over a bed of hot embers or stones. Firewalking has been practiced by many people and cultures throughout the world, with the earliest known reference dating back to Iron Age India, around 1200 BC.  It is often used as a rite of passage, as a test of an individual's strength and courage, or in religion as a test of one's faith.

I took these photos on Easter Sunday about a block from our house.  The piercings and firewalking were part of a Hindu celebration, demonstrating obedience and sacrifice.