Philippine health officials on Wednesday (18 March 2008) warned people taking part in Easter crucifixion and self-flagellation rituals that it can be bad for their health.If they do engage in this practice (aimed at assuaging their sins) “they need to get a tetanus shot first and sterilize the nails to avoid infections.”
The Philippine Health Department encouraged participants to check the condition of the whip before flagellating themselves and advised that six inch nails used in crucifixion should be sterilized first.
Source and full report: ‘Philippines Warns ‘Crucifixion Bad for Health’, Yahoo!7 News, 19 March 2008.
Dr. Geoff Pound
Image: An Easter ritual in the Philippines which is a great draw card for tourists.