Good Friday 2007

Today is the observance of Good Friday in most Christian traditions.

Ever since first hearing about this in 1992, I've been fascinated with this ritual that is done every year by some Christians in the Philippines:

Wilson Bondoc, 19, a bicycle cab driver, is nailed to a wooden cross during a Good Friday crucifixion re-enactment in Lourdes Northwest Village in Pampanga province, north of Manila, April 6, 2007. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco (PHILIPPINES) Original link

Men are nailed to a cross during a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the village of Cutud, about 80 km (50 miles) north of Manila, April 6, 2007. More than a dozen Filipinos were nailed to crosses and scores more whipped their backs into a bloody pulp on Friday in a gory ritual to mark the death of Jesus Christ. REUTERS/Darren Whiteside (PHILIPPINES) Original link

Men flagellate themselves before a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the village of Cutud, about 80 km (50 miles) north of Manila, April 6, 2007. More than a dozen Filipinos were nailed to crosses and scores more whipped their backs into a bloody pulp on Friday in a gory ritual to mark the death of Jesus Christ. (PHILIPPINES) Original link

In case you're wondering: those choosing to be crucified aren't left up on the crosses for very long. They're nailed down, hoisted up and left there for a few minutes before being taken back down. The nails are also specially treated to minimize trauma and infection. Some Christians in the Philippines have put themselves through this ritual every Good Friday for several years in a row. In recent years some women have also allowed themselves to be crucified.

As I said: fascinating.