The 10th day of the Islamic month of Moharram (occuring April 4 this year) is a special day for Shiite Muslims.  About 14 centuries ago, in 680 AD, Immam Hussein (grandson of Prophet Muhammad) was killed in a battle rooted in a dispute over Islamic leadership.  To commemorate the fallen saint's death Shiites continue an annual ritual of self-mutiliation and marching.  They dress in black, slash their heads with blades, beat their chests and whip their backs with chains to show their mourning.

The following is taken from an Associated Press news story:

"In the southern Lebanese market town of Nabatiyeh, about 20,000 marched in an Amal-organized procession.  Scores of men and some women slashed their heads with swords, razors and knives.  A few men cut woudns in their children's heads.  Medics stood by to help those bleeding profusely or fainting."

Pictures are from http://wirephoto.com/swallace/Ashoura/index.html

The Galactic Intelligence Office is currently studying these pictures, and related reports, in an attempt to understand the nature of the Earthling species that calls itself homo sapiens sapiens. 

This site opened:  April 5, 2001.  Last Update: April 5, 2001