Christians in the Philippines Are Nailed to Crosses in Extreme Acts of Devotion

People around the world celebrate Good Friday and Easter in their own unique ways. While some cultures influence its people to peacefully enjoy lamb roast, chase Easter bunnies, and perform Morris dancing as a means to celebrate, other cultures lead people to do something more unique and, well, more bizarre.

In the Philippines, for example, there are Christians who whip themselves using metal chains until their backs become bloody and have themselves crucified as acts of penitence. In Jerusalem, on the other hand, devotees carry wooden crosses on their backs and walks through the streets to honor the sacrifice that Jesus Christ had made and to celebrate the subsequent miracle of resurrection.

Below is a compilation of images showing how Good Friday was celebrated in different parts of the world:
 

In the Philippines, a man screams as nails are driven through his feet.

Some Filipino Christian devotees have themselves crucified before Easter as an act of penance.

People flock to observe the grim spectacle.

This act of penitence is observed in several parts of the country.

A man's back ended up raw and bloody after being flayed by a metal whip.

Warning: Graphic Content:

Being nailed to a cross is this woman's way of seeking forgiveness for her sins.

Filipino devotees are nailed to the cross as part of the country's traditional Good Friday celebration.

Some Christian devotees participate in the extreme practice of self-injury as a sign of faith.

Local church and health officials have condemned the practice but worshippers refuse to give up the practice.

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In Israel, worshippers carry a cross through the streets on Good Friday.

Orthodox Christians gather and traverse the route that was believed to have been used by Jesus when he carried the cross.

The procession follows the route called "Way of Suffering" and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where Jesus was believed to have been buried.

Good Friday celebrations in Jerusalem draw thousands of local and foreign spectators.

Ethiopian pilgrims pray against a cross in Jerusalem.

Devotees offer their prayers as they traverse through the "Way of the Cross."

Thousands gather at the Monastery of Flagellation before a procession along via Dolorosa.

Jewish people celebrate the Passover in a different part of the city.

In India, reenactment of the crucifixion is also performed in some parts of the country.

This man from Hyderabad, India is being whipped while carrying a cross – a far cry from the Philippines' gory crucifixion and flaying.

Jesus Christ's crucifixion was also celebrated in Guwahati, India as part of Good Friday celebration.

A mother and daughter offer their prayers in Hyderabad, India.

Christians only make up to 2% of the Indian population.

Catholic nuns parade through the streets of Hyderabad.

In Bangalore, devotees tie a white cloth to a cross to symbolize the Body of Christ.

Still in Bangalore, Christians drink buttermilk after offering prayers.

Christians gather and pray in front of a painting of Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile in England, actor James Burke-Dunsmore played the role of Jesus Christ in a reenactment of the crucifixion in Trafalgar Square.

Thousands of people gather to watch the reenactment.

The performance depicts "The Passion of Christ," and shows the story of Jesus' hardships in Jerusalem.

Spain

Members of the Maria Santisima de los Dolores and Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno march through the streets in their traditional dress.

The "Nazarenes," also called "penitent ones," participate in an eight-hour procession.

Drummers gather with the crowd in Aragon, Central Spain during Good Friday.

In Germany, actor Julian Lux had a crown of thorns placed on his head as he played the role of Jesus Christ in a reenactment in Bensheim.

Thousands of people watch the reenactment of the crucifixion in Bensheim.

This tradition was started by Italian families 35 years ago.

Ethiopia

Unorthodox Christians gather and pray at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa.

Those not able to enter the cathedral pray at the door and steps.

In Pakistan, Christians, which make up approximately 2% of the population, celebrate Good Friday by praying in churches.

Good Friday celebrations are held quietly as a sign of respect.

Lebanon

In southern Lebanon, actors also take part in the reenactment of Jesus' crucifixion.

Approximately 40% of Lebanon's population consists of Christians while Muslims make up 54%.

In Greece, a cross is carried by a Greek Orthodox priest at the Pendeli Monasteri, located near Athens.

An old lady pays her respects to an image of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.

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