Friday, February 06, 2009

Crossing Bridges....... - PH

PhotoHunt theme : Bridge(s)

Would you climb up and down steps lined with sharp blades bare-footed just to cross a bridge? There were 18 blades each way.

the sharp blades

This is a Taoist ritual. To the believers, this ritual signifies the passage through obstacles and difficulties to attain a better life. It is believed to eliminate bad luck, evil, villains etc. Some worshippers ask for blessings while many would expect good fortune.


This bridge is easier to cross. :)








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71 comments:

  1. JLFriday, February 6, 2009 at 2:01:00 PM GMT+8

    Personally I wouldn't. If only obstacles in life could all be solved by just crossing 18 blades then yes. But it takes more than 18 blades. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousFriday, February 6, 2009 at 3:22:00 PM GMT+8

    Don't think so - sounds scary to me :-)

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  3. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 4:01:00 PM GMT+8

    JL,
    haha.... it certainly takes more than 18 blades! Thanks for visiting.

    ReplyDelete
  4. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 4:02:00 PM GMT+8

    Renny,
    hahaha..... there were long queues of people wanting to do it... men, women, young and old.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousFriday, February 6, 2009 at 4:23:00 PM GMT+8

    I think it would be a challenge, that's for sure!
    When I was younger, I probably would have attempted it.
    But no way now -
    My feet hurt enough as it is :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. GattinaFriday, February 6, 2009 at 4:32:00 PM GMT+8

    No way ! I am not a Fakir, lol ! I prefer to continue my poor life !

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  7. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 4:37:00 PM GMT+8

    Dawn,
    IT IS a challenge. :)
    There were many elderly who attempted this. Very brave of them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 4:40:00 PM GMT+8

    Gattina,
    hahaha.....
    The shiny sharp blades caused fear in many people.

    One slip and the climber could be sliced and cut.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Napaboaniya.Elaine LingFriday, February 6, 2009 at 5:40:00 PM GMT+8

    I remember this!You did this rite last year? So did life change for the better for you? I hope it did :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 5:52:00 PM GMT+8

    makoy
    Congrats! I wish you success. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 5:54:00 PM GMT+8

    Napaboaniya,
    Yep. I went through this last November.

    So far very lucky got 贵人, also lots of 小人. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. CRIZ LAIFriday, February 6, 2009 at 6:56:00 PM GMT+8

    Aikss.. can I wear metal padded shoes to cross over? hehe :P Nice sharing here. :)

    http://crizcats.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousFriday, February 6, 2009 at 6:58:00 PM GMT+8

    ahjie
    A short explanation for you (about the post in my blog)

    Some MP from Perak, decided to switch camp halfway, and that act brought down the current government of Perak
    UMNO (the much h*ted and C*rrup*ed) took over

    ReplyDelete
  14. MakoyFriday, February 6, 2009 at 7:41:00 PM GMT+8

    hi there eastcoast! thanks for the comment. yeah finally im back. i have a $180 blog contest i hope you could check it out www.makoyskie.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. MetzFriday, February 6, 2009 at 7:45:00 PM GMT+8

    Hi ECL,

    wow hehehe this is a very scary thing to do but I agree with LJ if only our problems could be solved by crossing over a series of blades I would definitely be up for it :) hehehe but One thing for sure is it is something worth trying out hehehe :) Hope you are having a great weekend as always dear. xoxo

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  16. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 8:57:00 PM GMT+8

    Criz,
    Can!
    You will lose to the Aunties and Uncles. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 8:58:00 PM GMT+8

    yenjai,
    Oh. I didn't know about that news. I go find it in the papers now.

    ReplyDelete
  18. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 8:59:00 PM GMT+8

    Makoy,
    $180 cash prize!? Wow.
    You have some generous sponsors.

    ReplyDelete
  19. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 9:01:00 PM GMT+8

    empty streets,
    We should be adventurous eh. I saw many elderly and young kids doing it.

    Yeah, if the problems in life could be solved by stepping on blades.

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownFriday, February 6, 2009 at 9:40:00 PM GMT+8

    This is a tradition that I may have to say no to. I know obstacles can be overcome but this a little too dangerous for me.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Joro LivelihoodFriday, February 6, 2009 at 9:40:00 PM GMT+8

    Were you hurt when stepping to this stair? Just curious. How are you?

    Joro Livelihood
    Joro, The New Beginning
    Absolutely Joro
    The World Of Joro
    The Tale Of A Bukidnon Lad
    Baconchezjoro Multiply

    ReplyDelete
  22. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 9:45:00 PM GMT+8

    Dave,
    It is a dangerous tradition.
    This event is held yearly.

    ReplyDelete
  23. eastcoastlifeFriday, February 6, 2009 at 9:47:00 PM GMT+8

    Hi Rolly,
    No, I was not hurt. I did it slowly and cautiously. I tried this more for the experience. I saw some elderly people doing it and they didn't get hurt. I didn't even have a cut on my feet.

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  24. LifeRamblingsFriday, February 6, 2009 at 10:28:00 PM GMT+8

    i don't have the courage to experience such rituals. i'm clearly a scaredy cat.

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  25. oceanskies79Friday, February 6, 2009 at 11:49:00 PM GMT+8

    Faith and courage would be needed.

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  26. Photo CacheSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 1:22:00 AM GMT+8

    This is a perfect interpretation. There's a bonus lesson on rituals and religion too. Very cool.

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  27. AnonymousSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 2:19:00 AM GMT+8

    It's a cool sounding ritual. I'm probably be scared to do it though. It reminds me a bit of fire-walking. Love seeing the photos!

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  28. SheR.Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 3:18:00 AM GMT+8

    ECL.
    I'm still horrified by the knife bridge thingy... scared to watch it "live"..:P

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  29. jams o donnellSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 4:48:00 AM GMT+8

    Yikes. I'll pass on the first bridge! Happy weekend ECL!

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  30. MonicaSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 5:23:00 AM GMT+8

    Hi ECL!!

    Wow I'd like to try this one day ;-)

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  31. AnonymousSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 5:30:00 AM GMT+8

    Well thats an unusual personal challange!

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  32. KirstenSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 6:23:00 AM GMT+8

    I guess anything seems like good fortune after that! :)

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  33. SASSY MOMSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 7:32:00 AM GMT+8

    I won't have the guts! That's quite interesting! Happy Weekend!

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  34. JackieSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 9:26:00 AM GMT+8

    Oh dear,
    Not me either!! I prefer the last bridge.

    Great picks as always!!

    http://shinade.blogspot.com/2009/02/photohunt-bridges.html

    Hugs:-)

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  35. YTSLSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 10:08:00 AM GMT+8

    The things some Taoists do...!!! (Amazing!)

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  36. PowersTwinBSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 10:13:00 AM GMT+8

    wow...thats a bit scary! isnt it? ...I like the small one...now, that one I would cross! lol...My hunt is up, please come and visit soon

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  37. ancient oneSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 10:20:00 AM GMT+8

    I will take the second bridge... the one's with the blades is not for me..LOL Good take on the theme!

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  38. TorAaSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 11:32:00 AM GMT+8

    Fabulous entry,
    what more can I say?

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  39. bonggamomSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 11:50:00 AM GMT+8

    Wow, I've never seen that before. And you say you've done it? Amazing!!

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  40. Sarge CharlieSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 11:59:00 AM GMT+8

    wow, they really cross that??????

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  41. AnonymousSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 12:20:00 PM GMT+8

    Oh this is nice entries my dear happy weekend. TC

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  42. Pok DellSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 12:37:00 PM GMT+8

    Oh! My, this thing is really happening.
    I thought it's only a fiction in a Kungfu movies.

    ReplyDelete
  43. HEALTH NUT WANNABEE MOMSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 1:44:00 PM GMT+8

    I have never seen anything like this. BTW-I have an award for you.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sweet JasmineSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 1:59:00 PM GMT+8

    If the elderly can do it, I would also have a go at it for the experience eventhough scary. The walking uphill by thaipusam devotees on nail studded shoes these few days here is also very frightening.

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  45. GagayMDSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 3:12:00 PM GMT+8

    isn't it scary? nervous?

    gagay

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  46. AnonymousSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 3:27:00 PM GMT+8

    Now, that is one very challenging task and I don't know is I am up to the challenge :)

    Happy weekend, ECL!

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  47. AnonymousSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 3:29:00 PM GMT+8

    18 blades huh? and a whole lot of bandages,.. lol. Great post.

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  48. PastormacsAnnSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 3:57:00 PM GMT+8

    Oh my word! Ouch! Great photo for our theme but glad I'm just looking at it and not doing it.

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  49. MaritesSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 4:12:00 PM GMT+8

    that's scary but the elders did so probably, i can do it too:)

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  50. jmbSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 4:30:00 PM GMT+8

    I think not. I'll go for the second one. It is a kind of odd little thing too.

    Happy weekend Elaine.

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  51. BeautifuL LifeSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 5:07:00 PM GMT+8

    Hi!
    Dropping by from Sweet Jasmine's.

    It is a definite NO NO to go thru this. What if difficulties still struck after crossing the bridges? Blame myself for not crossing properly? or blame God?

    haha....we shall not have all these to control our fate..

    Cheers!

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  52. LillySaturday, February 7, 2009 at 5:15:00 PM GMT+8

    No, I wouldnt.

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  53. UnknownSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 5:59:00 PM GMT+8

    omg! blades on each step? no way! i'll choose the 2nd bridge anytime.:D

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  54. Colin CampbellSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 6:40:00 PM GMT+8

    Nuts East Coast Life. No thanks.

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  55. DragonstarSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 6:40:00 PM GMT+8

    I don't think I fancy that idea myself. Anyone doing that deserves all the luck they can get!

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  56. AnonymousSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 9:51:00 PM GMT+8

    Hi friend.. Interesting post.. Keep up the good work.. Do find time to visit my blog and post your comments.. Take care mate.. Cheers!!!

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  57. AnonymousSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 10:13:00 PM GMT+8

    I certainly would prefer the smaller bridge to cross. :)

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  58. MariucaSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 10:42:00 PM GMT+8

    Hi ECL, I can't imagine walking barefooted on sharp blades ouch! :(

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  59. MariucaSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 10:42:00 PM GMT+8

    Wishing u a nice relaxing weekend, have a good one! :):):)

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  60. AnonymousSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 10:46:00 PM GMT+8

    I think I might faint before I even start. If only life's hurdles can be crossed like that, if it's guaranteed then I might bite the bullet and do it...

    ReplyDelete
  61. CarverSaturday, February 7, 2009 at 10:47:00 PM GMT+8

    Interesting post and great shots for the theme.

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  62. AnonymousSunday, February 8, 2009 at 3:10:00 AM GMT+8

    I have updated my post to a daytime version of the painting on the side of the wall. Come on by and check it out.

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  63. AnonymousSunday, February 8, 2009 at 4:18:00 AM GMT+8

    That's crazy, wouldn't be able to do it.

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  64. AnonymousSunday, February 8, 2009 at 4:55:00 AM GMT+8

    I don't think I would make the trip up the stairs but I like the third bridge. That one I would love crossing. Great take on the theme!

    You can find mine here:JyLnC's Photo Hunt. Stop by and check it out.

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  65. AnonymousSunday, February 8, 2009 at 6:07:00 AM GMT+8

    I wont dare! :D And my religion doesnt require that anyway hehe. Happy weekend!

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  66. AnonymousSunday, February 8, 2009 at 6:50:00 AM GMT+8

    I definitely would not be crossing that bridge!

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  67. MiraSunday, February 8, 2009 at 10:26:00 AM GMT+8

    Wow that is quite a ritual, I don't think I would risk getting hurt just to cross that bridge ;-). It's good to learn this belief or ritual from another culture, thanks for sharing. Here's mine http://www.mirasblog.com/2009/02/photo-hunt-6-bridge.html

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  68. DoraSunday, February 8, 2009 at 6:26:00 PM GMT+8

    I have only seen the bridge in the last pic. It's really very "challenging" to cross the other one. ;p

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  69. AnonymousSunday, February 8, 2009 at 11:30:00 PM GMT+8

    I never knew that there is a Taoist ritual bridge. Nice shots. Have a nice weekend

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  70. sammawowMonday, February 9, 2009 at 9:47:00 AM GMT+8

    I certainly would not want to go over that bridge! Great choices for the theme!

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  71. Heart of RachelWednesday, February 11, 2009 at 10:41:00 PM GMT+8

    That's quite a terrifying challenge. It's an interesting ritual. Thanks for sharing.

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