Chinese villagers bathe in fiery sparks to ward off the evil spirits

Villagers in eastern China have a unique way of washing away the taint of evil spirits by bathing in a shower of scorching sparks.

A villager performing the 'eating flowers' ritual in Fangshan village in China's coastal province of Fujians. | AFP 

Villagers have a unique way of washing away the taint of evil spirits by bathing in a shower of scorching sparks.| AFP

A villager burning incense and paper money before the start of the 'eating flowers' ritual.| AFP

Zheng Yinquan performing the 'eating flowers' ritual. | AFP

Performers getting ready to perform the unique 'eating flowers' ritual. | AFP

One of the villagers plays with the fire sparks during the ceremony. |AFP

Villagers having dinner in front of the temple before performing the ritual. | AFP

Zheng Yinquan burning incense before performing the 'eating flowers' ritual as prayers. | AFP