Inside this book some of the world's most unconventional beliefs, rituals, and superstitions are revealed. Read about Shingon monks of Japan who believed in mummifying themselves while they were still alive and how they did it; women of the Dani tribe deep in the Indonesian jungle who amputate one of their fingers in performing the ritual of Ikipalin when a loved one dies; and boys in the Brazilian Amazon who achieve manhood by withstanding the severe, paralyzing pain of being bitten by bullet ants for several hours. These are just a few of the beliefs you will explore in the eye-opening true stories of rituals practiced around the world. Colorful illustrations throughout the book allow you to see the world through a new lens.
Author Bahar Hatami writes, "Rituals and beliefs may be different throughout the world but the powerful effects they have on our minds and bodies may be the same. We all share this same experience and phenomenon in some way or another.
"In doing my research for this book I wanted to share different stories from around the world to hopefully come to a better understanding of where our beliefs stem from as a society, culture, or religion."