Ep 5. Bizarre Rituals

The Unxplained season 1 episode 5 explores the mysterious and sometimes gruesome world of Bizarre Rituals. From ancient cultures to modern day societies, the episode delves into the reasons why certain rituals are performed and what they represent.

The episode opens with a look at the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico, where families gather to celebrate and honor their ancestors. This leads to a discussion of the importance of death rituals in various cultures and how they help people cope with loss.

The focus then shifts to the extreme rituals of the Thaipusam festival in Malaysia, where devotees undergo intense physical ordeals in order to show their devotion to the Hindu god Murugan. This includes piercing various body parts and carrying heavy objects while walking for miles to the temple.

Next, the episode delves into the practice of self-mummification among certain Buddhist monks in Japan. The monks would go through a strict diet and exercise regimen for years in order to prepare their bodies for mummification after death. This practice was believed to lead to enlightenment and a special place in the afterlife.

The episode also examines the phenomenon of exorcisms in various cultures and religions. Interviews with an exorcist and a woman who underwent an exorcism reveal the intense emotions and beliefs that surround these rituals.

One of the most disturbing segments of the episode explores the phenomenon of black magic in Thailand and the use of human remains in certain rituals. Experts discuss the prevalence of this practice and its ties to organized crime.

The episode concludes with a look at the modern-day practice of suspension, where individuals pierce hooks into their skin and suspend themselves from the ceiling. While this may seem like a shock-value spectacle, practitioners argue that it represents a form of spiritual transformation and overcoming fear.

Throughout the episode, experts in various fields offer their perspectives on these rituals and their significance in their respective cultures. The Unxplained season 1 episode 5 offers a thought-provoking look at the strange and often misunderstood world of Bizarre Rituals.