When the annual vegetarian festival season arrives, beyond the atmosphere of vegetarian food and processions bustling throughout all areas, one thing that inevitably captures the attention and leaves an impression on observers is the image of spirit mediums who come out to perform rituals according to their beliefs. Particularly striking is the image of using sharp objects to pierce through the cheeks, mouth, or various parts of the body, which although it may look extremely painful to ordinary people, for those who are spirit mediums, this is an expression of faith and serving as a medium between the human world and the celestial realm.

What is a Spirit Medium and What Role Do They Play in the Vegetarian Festival?

According to the beliefs of Thai people of Chinese descent and communities that practice Taoism, a spirit medium is a person selected by deities to serve as a bridge for communication between the human world and the celestial realm. During the vegetarian festival or the nine-day festival, it is believed that various deities, particularly Goddess Guan Yin and celestial generals, descend to the human world and use the body of the spirit medium to perform rituals, bestow blessings on the faithful, and drive away evil from the community.

A person who becomes a spirit medium does not do so by their own intention alone, but it is believed they must be "called" or "chosen" by a deity. They may experience entering trance unexpectedly for the first time. Some may have experiences of dreaming of deities or feeling supernatural forces that call them to perform this duty. Once accepted, the spirit medium must undergo training and preparation both physically and mentally, including strict observance of the precepts during the festival period.

Why Must Sharp Objects Pierce the Mouth?

A question many people wonder is why spirit mediums must allow sharp objects such as swords, spears, pointed metal, or even large axes to pierce their cheeks and mouth. According to the belief, the use of these sharp objects carries multiple meanings. First, it demonstrates the power and authority of the deity residing in the spirit medium's body, which enables a human body to endure pain that ordinary people cannot bear.

Second, it represents purity and spiritual cleansing. It is believed that when a deity enters and possesses the spirit medium's body, that body becomes a pure physical vessel, free from defilement and worldly suffering. The piercing of sharp objects thus does not cause severe wounds or heavy bleeding like it would for ordinary people, and after the ritual ends, the wounds heal remarkably quickly.

Third, it is a symbol of sacrifice and bearing hardship on behalf of the community. The spirit medium accepts physical pain as a representative to seek blessings and drive disease and calamity away from the village. This act therefore expresses the spirit of giving and compassion at the highest level.

The Process and Related Rituals

Before a spirit medium undergoes the mouth-piercing ritual, there must be strict preparation, from strictly observing the vegetarian precepts for several days, to purifying the body, to chanting and meditation to invite the deity to descend and possess. When the time for the ritual comes, the spirit medium will be in a state called "possession" in which their own consciousness is replaced by the consciousness of the deity.

In this state, the spirit medium may behave differently from normal, such as speaking with a changed voice, moving swiftly and powerfully, or displaying various special abilities. Trained assistants will perform the piercing of sharp objects through the cheeks or mouth of the spirit medium, following correct procedures and methods according to tradition, for safety and in accordance with religious principles.

After the ritual is completed, the spirit medium will withdraw the sharp objects, and the wounds will be cleaned with sacred oil or special offerings. According to the belief, the wounds will not become infected and will heal faster than normal, which the faithful view as evidence of true supernatural power.

Perspectives in the Modern Era

Although in modern times there are questions and doubts about this ritual from many sides, whether in terms of safety, hygiene, and scientific reasoning, for the communities that continue to preserve this tradition, being a spirit medium and performing the mouth-piercing ritual remains an important part of cultural identity and religious faith.

Anthropologists and cultural researchers view these rituals as reflecting beliefs about the relationship between humans and the sacred, as well as concepts of sacrifice for the collective that run deep in the consciousness of Asian societies. Understanding these rituals should therefore be done with respect for their cultural context and meaning to those who practice them.

For those interested in studying or witnessing this ritual, it is important to understand that this is not a performance or entertainment, but an expression of deep faith and dedication to the community. Each spirit medium has their own story and personal motivation that leads them to accept this role, all of which reflect the beliefs and hopes of humanity toward the sacred and supernatural powers that protect and care for them.

Compiled from publicly published news · Source: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikghBVV95cUx