1 00:00:05,481 --> 00:00:06,496 - The following program 2 00:00:06,498 --> 00:00:08,431 Contains disturbing images and dangerous stunts 3 00:00:08,433 --> 00:00:09,933 That should not be tried at home. 4 00:00:09,935 --> 00:00:12,428 Viewer discretion is advised. 5 00:00:13,680 --> 00:00:17,891 (suspenseful music) 6 00:00:19,544 --> 00:00:23,564 Imagine taking a headfirst leap of faith 7 00:00:23,566 --> 00:00:25,690 From a 100-foot tower 8 00:00:25,692 --> 00:00:29,111 With only a vine tied to your ankle. 9 00:00:30,105 --> 00:00:33,073 - It dates back about 1,500 years 10 00:00:33,075 --> 00:00:38,620 And it involves a boy who is coming of age into manhood. 11 00:00:39,106 --> 00:00:40,039 (crowd yelling) 12 00:00:40,041 --> 00:00:42,416 - How about drinking cobra's blood 13 00:00:42,418 --> 00:00:44,418 To cement a brotherly bond? 14 00:00:44,420 --> 00:00:47,880 - The ritual behind it is not just for hydration, 15 00:00:47,882 --> 00:00:51,141 It's not just for consuming nutrients, 16 00:00:51,143 --> 00:00:53,627 You are ingesting the power of this cobra 17 00:00:53,629 --> 00:00:57,889 To unleash it on your enemies in the battlefields. 18 00:00:57,891 --> 00:00:59,158 (crowd cheering) 19 00:00:59,160 --> 00:01:03,937 - Or burying yourself alive to achieve enlightenment. 20 00:01:03,939 --> 00:01:08,216 - He does this all the way until his heart gives out. 21 00:01:08,819 --> 00:01:11,195 - These are the rituals so surprising, 22 00:01:11,197 --> 00:01:14,055 They are truly unbelievable. 23 00:01:14,057 --> 00:01:18,285 (suspenseful music) 24 00:01:26,444 --> 00:01:30,255 Throughout history, young men hoping to become warriors 25 00:01:30,257 --> 00:01:32,299 Have gone through tests of courage, 26 00:01:32,301 --> 00:01:34,334 Strength, and mental fortitude. 27 00:01:34,336 --> 00:01:37,762 For the young boys of sparta, it's all of those things, 28 00:01:37,764 --> 00:01:40,765 But also, you are not allowed to cry. 29 00:01:40,767 --> 00:01:45,003 (dramatic music) 30 00:01:46,031 --> 00:01:48,064 - The spartan warrior is one of the most feared, 31 00:01:48,066 --> 00:01:53,403 Legendary, disciplined, and successful warriors in history. 32 00:01:54,490 --> 00:01:55,989 - [dan] preparation for battlefield victory 33 00:01:55,991 --> 00:01:58,450 Starts young, very young. 34 00:01:59,177 --> 00:02:02,512 - At birth, young spartan boys are dipped in wine. 35 00:02:02,514 --> 00:02:06,049 The ones who cry are sent off to become slaves. 36 00:02:06,051 --> 00:02:10,337 The ones who don't cry are admitted to warrior training. 37 00:02:11,223 --> 00:02:14,291 - Spartan boys are trained in toughness. 38 00:02:14,293 --> 00:02:17,344 At age seven, they are turned over to the state, 39 00:02:17,346 --> 00:02:20,455 And there, they become a part of a company of other boys 40 00:02:20,457 --> 00:02:22,899 Where they live, work, and study together. 41 00:02:22,901 --> 00:02:24,050 They go barefoot. 42 00:02:24,052 --> 00:02:25,902 They're not allowed to wear shoes. 43 00:02:25,904 --> 00:02:27,687 They don't bathe. 44 00:02:27,689 --> 00:02:30,073 - Additionally, to make the boys tough, 45 00:02:30,075 --> 00:02:31,525 They're given very minimal clothing. 46 00:02:31,527 --> 00:02:32,984 It's this little cloak. 47 00:02:32,986 --> 00:02:36,046 So during the winter, they're getting extremely cold, 48 00:02:36,048 --> 00:02:38,073 Being exposed to the elements. 49 00:02:38,075 --> 00:02:39,716 (dark pulsing music) 50 00:02:39,718 --> 00:02:41,201 - [dan] in the spartan camps, 51 00:02:41,203 --> 00:02:43,737 Becoming a warrior is about three things, 52 00:02:43,739 --> 00:02:47,490 Strength, survival, and suffering. 53 00:02:48,410 --> 00:02:51,511 - They have to make their own beds with their own hands, 54 00:02:51,513 --> 00:02:53,171 And it's made out of plant matter 55 00:02:53,173 --> 00:02:55,690 That they pull from the riverbanks. 56 00:02:55,692 --> 00:02:58,159 - These boys are deliberately malnourished 57 00:02:58,161 --> 00:02:59,720 And that's done for a couple of reasons. 58 00:02:59,722 --> 00:03:02,239 First and foremost, so that they don't get fat and lazy. 59 00:03:02,241 --> 00:03:04,515 And then secondly, because they're malnourished, 60 00:03:04,517 --> 00:03:08,686 They'll constantly be looking for ways to feed themselves. 61 00:03:08,688 --> 00:03:12,774 It's an idea toward developing resourcefulness. 62 00:03:14,069 --> 00:03:15,677 - [dan] this gives the boys an edge in 63 00:03:15,679 --> 00:03:19,740 Their next important test, how to steal. 64 00:03:21,911 --> 00:03:25,045 - There's a wheel of cheese that's placed on an altar 65 00:03:25,047 --> 00:03:28,565 And these spartan guards all have whips 66 00:03:28,567 --> 00:03:32,710 And the boys are told to go in and try to steal the cheese 67 00:03:32,712 --> 00:03:35,255 And dodge the whips. 68 00:03:36,091 --> 00:03:37,216 - They're gonna use cunning and guile 69 00:03:37,218 --> 00:03:39,225 As a means to try to get beyond the guards 70 00:03:39,227 --> 00:03:40,460 And get to the cheese. 71 00:03:40,462 --> 00:03:44,640 Then, if they're caught, they are publicly beaten. 72 00:03:46,160 --> 00:03:50,437 (whip cracking) (boy gasping) 73 00:03:50,439 --> 00:03:51,821 Even that is training, 74 00:03:51,823 --> 00:03:54,374 Because if they're caught and they're beaten in public, 75 00:03:54,376 --> 00:03:58,687 They'll feel a compulsion to maintain a stoic appearance. 76 00:03:58,689 --> 00:04:01,547 They don't want to endure the public humiliation 77 00:04:01,549 --> 00:04:03,282 Of breaking under the beating. 78 00:04:03,284 --> 00:04:07,562 They have to always maintain this warrior outlook. 79 00:04:07,564 --> 00:04:08,605 (whip cracking) 80 00:04:08,607 --> 00:04:10,573 (suspenseful music) 81 00:04:10,575 --> 00:04:11,875 - [dan] once they turn 12, 82 00:04:11,877 --> 00:04:15,003 Young spartans are ready for their final test, 83 00:04:16,047 --> 00:04:17,347 And it's a doozy. 84 00:04:17,349 --> 00:04:21,151 - They're forced to endure a month-long survival challenge. 85 00:04:21,153 --> 00:04:24,929 They're sent out into the wilderness by themselves 86 00:04:24,931 --> 00:04:27,157 With a spear and a blanket. 87 00:04:27,159 --> 00:04:29,100 - They have a variety of challenges 88 00:04:29,102 --> 00:04:30,501 That they have to survive, 89 00:04:30,503 --> 00:04:32,479 Food, water, shelter, 90 00:04:32,481 --> 00:04:35,649 Surviving the elements, surviving predators. 91 00:04:36,426 --> 00:04:38,818 - Sure, the lions and the pack of wolves come. 92 00:04:38,820 --> 00:04:40,654 You got your spear and blanket. 93 00:04:42,299 --> 00:04:43,940 - This is a world in which citizenship 94 00:04:43,942 --> 00:04:47,352 Is not something that automatically falls on you. 95 00:04:47,354 --> 00:04:49,712 You earn it by succeeding, 96 00:04:49,714 --> 00:04:53,350 By passing the series of rituals and trials, 97 00:04:53,352 --> 00:04:57,295 And if you survive that final ritual, you become a citizen. 98 00:04:57,297 --> 00:05:00,631 You have earned the right to marry and have children, 99 00:05:00,633 --> 00:05:03,902 And you earn the right to be called a warrior. 100 00:05:03,904 --> 00:05:06,722 (crowd cheering) 101 00:05:08,684 --> 00:05:11,901 - A couple thousand years later, in 1982, 102 00:05:11,903 --> 00:05:14,354 Another unusual military ritual begins 103 00:05:14,356 --> 00:05:16,573 In the fetid jungles of thailand, 104 00:05:16,575 --> 00:05:19,984 And remarkably, it still occurs today. 105 00:05:20,136 --> 00:05:22,988 (atmospheric music) 106 00:05:24,149 --> 00:05:26,724 - Cobra gold is a joint exercise 107 00:05:26,726 --> 00:05:30,871 Between the us military and the thai military. 108 00:05:30,873 --> 00:05:33,999 After 1975, the united states is no longer 109 00:05:34,001 --> 00:05:36,834 On active military operations in southeast asia, 110 00:05:36,836 --> 00:05:40,147 So the united states is a little bit out of touch 111 00:05:40,149 --> 00:05:42,365 With the way that you have to fight to survive 112 00:05:42,367 --> 00:05:44,801 In the jungle environment of southeast asia. 113 00:05:46,429 --> 00:05:49,222 - [dan] under the tutelage of the royal thai marines, 114 00:05:49,224 --> 00:05:51,524 The us military begins a very unique 115 00:05:51,526 --> 00:05:55,412 Jungle survival training ritual called cobra gold. 116 00:05:55,414 --> 00:05:59,191 Oh, and warning, it's a little hard to stomach. 117 00:06:01,286 --> 00:06:03,362 - So in cobra gold, they start off 118 00:06:03,364 --> 00:06:07,424 With eating pieces of trees, vegetation, grass, 119 00:06:07,426 --> 00:06:10,368 Any type of edible flower, any type of plant. 120 00:06:10,370 --> 00:06:13,354 Then, they progress on to the bugs. 121 00:06:13,356 --> 00:06:16,132 - [solider] bite it! (group groaning) 122 00:06:16,134 --> 00:06:20,587 - So we're talking roasted cockroaches, grilled beetles. 123 00:06:20,589 --> 00:06:23,056 - And they even teach them how to eat scorpions, 124 00:06:23,058 --> 00:06:24,508 Which there are lots of. 125 00:06:25,218 --> 00:06:27,627 (group yelling) 126 00:06:27,629 --> 00:06:29,479 - [dan] that's when the practice takes a turn 127 00:06:29,481 --> 00:06:32,474 Into something stranger and grosser. 128 00:06:33,893 --> 00:06:36,119 - They also teach them how to bite 129 00:06:36,121 --> 00:06:38,805 The heads off of chickens using only their teeth, 130 00:06:38,807 --> 00:06:40,548 In case they lose their knives. 131 00:06:40,550 --> 00:06:43,159 (dramatic music) 132 00:06:43,161 --> 00:06:45,645 - You're being taught how to live off of the jungle 133 00:06:45,647 --> 00:06:48,739 And how to survive off of animals that seem like 134 00:06:48,741 --> 00:06:50,667 They would otherwise be very dangerous to you, 135 00:06:50,669 --> 00:06:52,727 But if you know how, 136 00:06:52,729 --> 00:06:55,746 You can kill them and survive off of them. 137 00:06:55,748 --> 00:06:57,857 (suspenseful music) 138 00:06:57,859 --> 00:06:59,459 - While biting heads off chickens 139 00:06:59,461 --> 00:07:02,195 And slurping up scorpions seems crazy, 140 00:07:02,197 --> 00:07:03,938 The culmination of cobra gold 141 00:07:03,940 --> 00:07:06,491 Is where it really earns its stripes. 142 00:07:06,493 --> 00:07:10,137 It even scares me, and I've seen ghosts. 143 00:07:11,873 --> 00:07:13,581 - What the ritual is really named after 144 00:07:13,583 --> 00:07:19,062 Is the final grand finale of the buffet, and this is cobra. 145 00:07:19,681 --> 00:07:23,349 (group chattering indistinctly) 146 00:07:23,351 --> 00:07:25,001 - What the thai people show them 147 00:07:25,003 --> 00:07:27,387 Is one way you can give yourself 148 00:07:27,389 --> 00:07:31,374 Both hydration and sustenance is by finding a cobra, 149 00:07:31,376 --> 00:07:34,661 A deadly snake, and drinking its blood. 150 00:07:35,663 --> 00:07:36,687 - Even though it doesn't seem like it 151 00:07:36,689 --> 00:07:37,747 In a jungle environment, 152 00:07:37,749 --> 00:07:39,549 It is easy to become dehydrated 153 00:07:39,551 --> 00:07:41,943 Just as a result of sweat from high temperatures, 154 00:07:41,945 --> 00:07:45,338 And so the snake's blood will provide hydration. 155 00:07:46,474 --> 00:07:49,951 - The legend has it, the more deadly your cobra is, 156 00:07:49,953 --> 00:07:53,120 The more that you will consume the cobra's power. 157 00:07:53,122 --> 00:07:54,214 (hissing snake) 158 00:07:54,216 --> 00:07:58,018 So the ritual behind it is not just for hydration, 159 00:07:58,020 --> 00:08:01,963 It's not just for consuming nutrients, 160 00:08:01,965 --> 00:08:04,483 You are ingesting the power of this cobra 161 00:08:04,485 --> 00:08:08,528 And able to unleash it on your enemies in the battlefield. 162 00:08:10,032 --> 00:08:13,082 - [dan] today, the power of the cobra gold ritual 163 00:08:13,084 --> 00:08:14,659 Has spread across the world, 164 00:08:14,661 --> 00:08:17,470 Becoming the ultimate bonding experience 165 00:08:17,472 --> 00:08:19,164 For warrior brothers. 166 00:08:20,984 --> 00:08:22,408 - Now, it's evolved to be 167 00:08:22,410 --> 00:08:25,712 The largest multinational military exercise in the world. 168 00:08:25,714 --> 00:08:29,407 It includes 29 nations, including the us and thailand, 169 00:08:29,409 --> 00:08:32,435 And also south korea, vietnam, and japan. 170 00:08:32,437 --> 00:08:34,137 (chopper whirring) 171 00:08:34,139 --> 00:08:36,906 - Cobra gold provides this strong bond 172 00:08:36,908 --> 00:08:39,667 Between our military and these foreign nations 173 00:08:39,669 --> 00:08:43,563 That we may one day be called on to fight side-by-side with. 174 00:08:43,565 --> 00:08:46,357 The kind of bond that can only be developed 175 00:08:46,359 --> 00:08:49,736 Through enduring harsh circumstances. 176 00:08:49,738 --> 00:08:52,656 (helicopter engines whirring) 177 00:08:54,859 --> 00:08:56,851 - [dan] when I mention mummies, you might think egypt, 178 00:08:56,853 --> 00:08:58,686 But preparing bodies for the afterlife 179 00:08:58,688 --> 00:09:01,581 Goes far beyond the valley of the kings, 180 00:09:01,583 --> 00:09:04,934 And some people don't even wait to die 181 00:09:04,936 --> 00:09:07,170 Before starting the process. 182 00:09:07,714 --> 00:09:10,306 (suspenseful music) 183 00:09:10,308 --> 00:09:14,952 - In the ninth century ad, a japanese monk named kobo daishi 184 00:09:14,954 --> 00:09:17,054 Founds a school of buddhism 185 00:09:17,056 --> 00:09:18,698 Called shingon buddhism. 186 00:09:18,700 --> 00:09:20,016 - This type of buddhism, 187 00:09:20,018 --> 00:09:21,718 According to daishi and his followers, 188 00:09:21,720 --> 00:09:25,805 Its goal is to attain ultimate enlightenment, 189 00:09:25,807 --> 00:09:27,048 And to do that, what 190 00:09:27,050 --> 00:09:28,375 One is supposed to do 191 00:09:28,560 --> 00:09:29,826 Is they're supposed to give up 192 00:09:29,828 --> 00:09:32,720 The simple common pleasures of life. 193 00:09:32,722 --> 00:09:36,240 - They live in the mountains, they live like hermits. 194 00:09:36,242 --> 00:09:37,750 They forage for their food. 195 00:09:37,752 --> 00:09:40,828 They rid themselves of anything that pretty much 196 00:09:40,830 --> 00:09:43,306 Any of us would consider good and pleasurable 197 00:09:43,308 --> 00:09:46,676 In this very, very difficult, hard lifestyle. 198 00:09:46,678 --> 00:09:49,162 - [dan] it's not enough to attain enlightenment in life, 199 00:09:49,164 --> 00:09:52,181 They want to reach nirvana in the afterlife 200 00:09:52,183 --> 00:09:54,167 And shingon leader kobo daishi 201 00:09:54,169 --> 00:09:57,721 Decides to show his followers it can be done. 202 00:10:01,860 --> 00:10:03,685 - [brandy] as he nears the end of his life, 203 00:10:03,687 --> 00:10:06,896 Kobo daishi crawls into his own tomb, 204 00:10:06,898 --> 00:10:08,707 Denies himself everything, 205 00:10:08,709 --> 00:10:11,033 Including the sustenance of life. 206 00:10:11,035 --> 00:10:14,303 - We're talking no food, no water, no nothing, 207 00:10:14,305 --> 00:10:17,740 And he dedicates himself 100% 208 00:10:17,742 --> 00:10:20,118 To being truly one with himself. 209 00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:25,624 He does this practice all the way until his heart gives out. 210 00:10:26,885 --> 00:10:29,035 - Kobo daishi doesn't think of this as suicide 211 00:10:29,204 --> 00:10:30,945 Because he plans on returning 212 00:10:30,947 --> 00:10:32,705 To the life of the living. 213 00:10:32,707 --> 00:10:34,215 According to shingon beliefs, 214 00:10:34,217 --> 00:10:38,219 Kobo daishi will return from the afterlife 215 00:10:38,221 --> 00:10:41,765 In 5.67 million years. 216 00:10:42,583 --> 00:10:44,717 - [dan] but his followers get curious, 217 00:10:44,719 --> 00:10:48,304 And a few years later, opened daishi's tomb. 218 00:10:48,306 --> 00:10:50,940 What they find is unbelievable. 219 00:10:52,243 --> 00:10:55,411 - His body is incredibly well-preserved. 220 00:10:55,413 --> 00:10:58,472 There seems to be no real signs of decay 221 00:10:58,474 --> 00:11:00,717 As you would see on a normal corpse. 222 00:11:00,719 --> 00:11:04,995 His skin is still intact, muscle is still intact. 223 00:11:04,997 --> 00:11:06,956 - He just looks like he might be sleeping. 224 00:11:06,958 --> 00:11:10,259 His followers recognize that he seems to have achieved 225 00:11:10,261 --> 00:11:11,494 Everything that he set out to do, 226 00:11:11,496 --> 00:11:14,430 Enlightenment, and they worship him. 227 00:11:14,432 --> 00:11:16,566 - [dan] kobo daishi's followers are convinced 228 00:11:16,568 --> 00:11:18,843 They too can achieve life after death, 229 00:11:18,845 --> 00:11:22,855 So over the next 900 years, they evolve his arduous ritual 230 00:11:22,857 --> 00:11:25,516 Into an even more torturous process known as 231 00:11:25,518 --> 00:11:29,503 "sokushinbutsu" or "buddha in this body." 232 00:11:29,505 --> 00:11:35,026 - It begins with the denial of food and drink, 233 00:11:36,153 --> 00:11:39,305 Sometimes involving fasts that, unbelievably, 234 00:11:39,307 --> 00:11:41,974 Can last up to 4,000 days. 235 00:11:41,976 --> 00:11:47,205 After a certain point, the initiate will consume 236 00:11:47,958 --> 00:11:50,858 The sap of a chinese lacquer tree. 237 00:11:50,860 --> 00:11:53,586 - This special brew makes the human body so toxic 238 00:11:53,588 --> 00:11:55,312 That insects want nothing to do with it, 239 00:11:55,314 --> 00:11:57,773 So they leave it alone, thus allowing it to stay 240 00:11:57,775 --> 00:12:00,902 That much more preserved for a longer period of time. 241 00:12:00,904 --> 00:12:02,554 - [dan] drinking this lethal brew, 242 00:12:02,556 --> 00:12:04,848 There's only one thing left to do. 243 00:12:06,125 --> 00:12:09,184 - The monk is put into a small pine box 244 00:12:09,186 --> 00:12:11,471 And lowered 10 feet into the ground. 245 00:12:11,473 --> 00:12:13,489 There's charcoal put on top of him, 246 00:12:13,491 --> 00:12:16,376 And there is a small pine rod 247 00:12:16,378 --> 00:12:19,228 That the monk can use to breathe from the inside. 248 00:12:19,230 --> 00:12:21,130 They don't want to asphyxiate. 249 00:12:21,132 --> 00:12:22,915 There's also a bell inside the box. 250 00:12:22,917 --> 00:12:24,984 As the monk is meditating, they ring the bell 251 00:12:24,986 --> 00:12:28,079 To let people above know that they're still alive. 252 00:12:30,325 --> 00:12:32,508 - Once the bell ringing ceases, 253 00:12:32,510 --> 00:12:36,028 They will then formally bury the body. 254 00:12:36,030 --> 00:12:39,332 It will be left buried for 1,000 days, 255 00:12:39,334 --> 00:12:41,334 After which it is exhumed. 256 00:12:41,336 --> 00:12:45,596 If it shows no signs of physical decomposition, 257 00:12:45,598 --> 00:12:50,143 Then the monk has attained the idealized state 258 00:12:52,864 --> 00:12:55,440 And will be placed on holy display. 259 00:12:57,535 --> 00:12:58,485 - [dan] the japanese government 260 00:12:58,487 --> 00:13:01,428 Eventually outlaws sokushinbutsu, 261 00:13:01,430 --> 00:13:04,373 But not before many more attempt it. 262 00:13:04,375 --> 00:13:06,926 - From the year 1081 to 1903, 263 00:13:06,928 --> 00:13:11,347 Hundreds of monks attempt this, but only 17 succeed. 264 00:13:11,349 --> 00:13:13,833 - As a matter of fact, you can see these monks. 265 00:13:13,835 --> 00:13:15,502 They are on display in japan. 266 00:13:15,504 --> 00:13:17,353 You can go and see their bodies. 267 00:13:17,355 --> 00:13:20,139 - They don't look like they're sleeping. 268 00:13:20,141 --> 00:13:22,892 They don't look alive, but they are preserved. 269 00:13:22,894 --> 00:13:26,346 They sit in the lotus position forever. 270 00:13:26,348 --> 00:13:28,372 Their bodies hardened in place, 271 00:13:28,374 --> 00:13:33,052 And many of them while on display have sunglasses on. 272 00:13:33,054 --> 00:13:34,303 That's because the one thing 273 00:13:34,305 --> 00:13:38,399 That does decompose and rot away are your eyeballs. 274 00:13:40,244 --> 00:13:44,071 - Displaying the deceased after they've been preserved 275 00:13:44,073 --> 00:13:47,474 Is practiced in a number of cultures around the world, 276 00:13:47,476 --> 00:13:49,886 But an indigenous group in indonesia 277 00:13:49,888 --> 00:13:53,623 Has turned such a ritual into an art form. 278 00:13:54,876 --> 00:13:57,243 - While waiting to make funeral arrangements, 279 00:13:57,679 --> 00:14:00,179 Some toraja people keep their dead 280 00:14:00,181 --> 00:14:04,175 In their house for weeks, if not for years. 281 00:14:04,177 --> 00:14:07,912 - The toraja people firmly believe that a family member 282 00:14:07,914 --> 00:14:11,424 Is not dead until they are buried in the ground. 283 00:14:11,426 --> 00:14:13,667 As a matter of fact, until they're buried, 284 00:14:13,669 --> 00:14:15,411 The family member who has passed on 285 00:14:15,413 --> 00:14:18,505 Is referred to as "makula" or just sick. 286 00:14:18,507 --> 00:14:21,350 - So if someone says, "how's your grandmother?" 287 00:14:21,352 --> 00:14:23,819 You'd say, "grandmother is ill," 288 00:14:23,821 --> 00:14:25,405 But grandmother might actually be 289 00:14:25,407 --> 00:14:28,557 Slowly mummifying around your kitchen table. 290 00:14:29,368 --> 00:14:31,427 - [dan] the key to the torajan afterlife ritual 291 00:14:31,429 --> 00:14:34,447 Is the way the body is preserved by loved ones. 292 00:14:34,449 --> 00:14:36,449 - They can't let the body decompose in the house, 293 00:14:36,451 --> 00:14:37,633 Because if they leave it alone, 294 00:14:37,635 --> 00:14:39,468 Eventually, it's going to wither away and rot 295 00:14:39,470 --> 00:14:40,970 And it's not going to smell well. 296 00:14:40,972 --> 00:14:42,772 - They wrap the bodies in cloth, 297 00:14:42,774 --> 00:14:44,883 And the cloth has been doused in formaldehyde, 298 00:14:44,885 --> 00:14:47,727 And this wrapping process continues, 299 00:14:47,729 --> 00:14:50,813 And once you have done that enough times, 300 00:14:50,815 --> 00:14:52,298 The body itself has dried out 301 00:14:52,300 --> 00:14:55,392 To a point that it has basically been mummified. 302 00:14:55,394 --> 00:14:59,455 - Families interact with the family member 303 00:14:59,457 --> 00:15:03,400 As though he or she is still very much present. 304 00:15:03,402 --> 00:15:05,069 - People talk to the body. 305 00:15:05,071 --> 00:15:06,404 People dress the body. 306 00:15:06,406 --> 00:15:08,697 People offer it things like cigarettes. 307 00:15:08,699 --> 00:15:11,467 During mealtime, they make the body a plate, 308 00:15:11,469 --> 00:15:14,287 Because again, it is not seen as dead yet. 309 00:15:14,289 --> 00:15:16,639 It is only seen as sick. 310 00:15:16,641 --> 00:15:18,916 - The longer the body is kept at home, 311 00:15:18,918 --> 00:15:21,461 The more money can be saved for a funeral 312 00:15:21,463 --> 00:15:24,005 And thus the more elaborate the funeral. 313 00:15:24,932 --> 00:15:26,256 - In the united states, 314 00:15:26,258 --> 00:15:28,635 The wedding is the thing that people save money for. 315 00:15:28,637 --> 00:15:30,260 They have to save for their kid's wedding 316 00:15:30,262 --> 00:15:32,430 Or for their own wedding, their grandchildren's wedding. 317 00:15:32,432 --> 00:15:33,473 In torajan culture, 318 00:15:33,475 --> 00:15:35,675 It's the funeral that you save money for, 319 00:15:35,677 --> 00:15:38,944 And these can be outlandishly expensive and lavish 320 00:15:38,946 --> 00:15:41,255 Because you want people to come and celebrate 321 00:15:41,257 --> 00:15:45,117 The person who has died, and you can't celebrate them well 322 00:15:45,119 --> 00:15:47,069 If you don't have enough money to do it. 323 00:15:47,071 --> 00:15:49,172 - This can range in dollar amounts 324 00:15:49,174 --> 00:15:53,868 From $50,000 to literally $500,000. 325 00:15:54,779 --> 00:15:56,946 - While the family saves up, 326 00:15:56,948 --> 00:15:59,290 The body continues to be on display 327 00:15:59,292 --> 00:16:02,943 For the community to come by and pay their respects 328 00:16:02,945 --> 00:16:06,280 To honor the person, to say their final goodbyes, 329 00:16:06,282 --> 00:16:08,633 To make sure they get the proper sendoff. 330 00:16:11,680 --> 00:16:12,553 In many cultures, 331 00:16:12,555 --> 00:16:14,897 The passage from childhood into adulthood 332 00:16:14,899 --> 00:16:17,350 Involves celebration and smiles. 333 00:16:17,352 --> 00:16:21,370 For a tribe in brazil, it means something quite different. 334 00:16:21,647 --> 00:16:24,731 (mysterious droning music) 335 00:16:24,733 --> 00:16:26,559 - Deep in the amazon jungle, 336 00:16:26,561 --> 00:16:30,488 The aspiring young men of the satere-mawe tribe 337 00:16:30,490 --> 00:16:32,898 Have to endure the most excruciating 338 00:16:32,900 --> 00:16:34,867 Rite of passage imaginable, 339 00:16:34,869 --> 00:16:39,080 The wearing of two gloves, each filled with bullet ants. 340 00:16:40,916 --> 00:16:43,242 - You don't want to encounter a bullet ant. 341 00:16:43,561 --> 00:16:46,653 Their sting feels like you've been shot by a gun. 342 00:16:46,655 --> 00:16:48,297 It hurts really bad 343 00:16:49,008 --> 00:16:51,067 - And that's just one ant. 344 00:16:51,069 --> 00:16:54,137 Each glove? Filled with hundreds of ants. 345 00:16:56,174 --> 00:16:57,681 - [dan] on the day of the ritual, 346 00:16:57,683 --> 00:17:00,226 The village buzzes with anticipation. 347 00:17:00,228 --> 00:17:03,896 The first order of business, round up some ants. 348 00:17:05,708 --> 00:17:08,835 - Members of the tribe will go out into the amazon jungle 349 00:17:08,837 --> 00:17:10,928 And collect all of these bullet ants, 350 00:17:10,930 --> 00:17:12,655 Hundreds of bullet ants. 351 00:17:12,657 --> 00:17:16,325 Elders of the community will blow smoke on these ants 352 00:17:16,327 --> 00:17:17,744 As a way to pacify them, right, 353 00:17:17,746 --> 00:17:20,288 To sort of lull them to sleep. 354 00:17:21,874 --> 00:17:24,958 - The elders take them and they weave them into the gloves, 355 00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:28,053 With the stingers pointing hand ward, 356 00:17:28,055 --> 00:17:33,551 So whoever puts on these gloves is in for a painful day. 357 00:17:34,128 --> 00:17:37,146 (suspenseful music) 358 00:17:37,148 --> 00:17:39,540 - I mean, imagine the feeling, there are hundreds of bullets 359 00:17:39,542 --> 00:17:42,685 Piercing your own flesh repeatedly. 360 00:17:44,655 --> 00:17:47,723 - The boy must keep his hands 361 00:17:47,725 --> 00:17:52,069 In the gloves for 10 minutes. 362 00:17:52,071 --> 00:17:55,239 These boys will sometimes enter a trance-like dance 363 00:17:55,241 --> 00:17:57,499 To sort of detach themselves mentally 364 00:17:57,501 --> 00:17:59,159 From what they're going through physically 365 00:17:59,161 --> 00:18:01,086 To make sure that they can withstand 366 00:18:01,088 --> 00:18:04,082 The excruciating amount of pain. 367 00:18:04,934 --> 00:18:07,476 (tribe members chanting) 368 00:18:07,478 --> 00:18:09,145 - [dan] and if that isn't bad enough, 369 00:18:09,147 --> 00:18:12,714 They have to do this again another 19 times. 370 00:18:12,867 --> 00:18:15,468 (tribal instrumental music) 371 00:18:15,470 --> 00:18:17,411 - You must really want to be a man. 372 00:18:17,413 --> 00:18:20,172 You have to get stung not just anywhere in your body, 373 00:18:20,174 --> 00:18:22,583 But in one of the places with the most nerve endings, 374 00:18:22,585 --> 00:18:26,813 In your hand, and you have to endure this for 10 minutes, 375 00:18:26,815 --> 00:18:30,149 And then do it for a total of 20 times. 376 00:18:30,151 --> 00:18:31,867 I'd be like, "you know what? I'll pass. 377 00:18:31,869 --> 00:18:35,279 I'll just be a boy forever. Call me peter pan." 378 00:18:35,281 --> 00:18:39,783 (suspenseful music) 379 00:18:39,785 --> 00:18:43,045 - While enduring pain might make a man in the amazon, 380 00:18:43,047 --> 00:18:46,499 Boys of the vanuatu tribe in the southwest pacific 381 00:18:46,501 --> 00:18:50,961 Must take a leap of faith that could kill them. 382 00:18:50,963 --> 00:18:54,841 (rumbling dark music) 383 00:18:54,843 --> 00:18:56,792 - About 1,000 miles off the coast of australia, 384 00:18:56,794 --> 00:19:00,245 On one of nearly 80 islands of what's called vanuatu, 385 00:19:00,247 --> 00:19:03,065 Local boys practice a rite of passage called 386 00:19:03,067 --> 00:19:05,459 Land diving or nanggol. 387 00:19:05,461 --> 00:19:08,812 - It dates back about 1,500 years, 388 00:19:08,814 --> 00:19:11,340 And it involves a boy who is 389 00:19:11,342 --> 00:19:14,059 Coming of age into manhood 390 00:19:14,562 --> 00:19:17,155 To climb up a 100-foot tower. 391 00:19:17,973 --> 00:19:19,915 - Once they reach the top of the tower, 392 00:19:19,917 --> 00:19:24,061 They take two thick, stretchy vines 393 00:19:24,063 --> 00:19:26,038 And they tie them to their ankles. 394 00:19:26,040 --> 00:19:27,156 What they will then do 395 00:19:27,158 --> 00:19:30,409 Is they will stand atop this wooden tower 396 00:19:30,411 --> 00:19:33,921 And they just dive onto the earth. 397 00:19:36,342 --> 00:19:37,766 (suspenseful music) 398 00:19:37,768 --> 00:19:39,251 - [dan] the goal is to brush the ground 399 00:19:39,253 --> 00:19:40,769 With the lightest of touches. 400 00:19:40,771 --> 00:19:42,855 Picking the right vine can be the difference 401 00:19:42,857 --> 00:19:47,142 Between success and a funeral. 402 00:19:47,144 --> 00:19:49,912 - The land diving ritual takes place every year 403 00:19:49,914 --> 00:19:54,024 From April to June when the land is at its wettest 404 00:19:54,026 --> 00:19:56,168 And the vines are at their stretchiest. 405 00:19:57,112 --> 00:20:01,007 - There have been instances where boys have gone land diving 406 00:20:01,009 --> 00:20:03,459 And they end up breaking bones, 407 00:20:03,461 --> 00:20:04,944 Shattering parts of their body. 408 00:20:04,946 --> 00:20:06,829 It's incredibly dangerous. 409 00:20:07,832 --> 00:20:11,133 - The job of selecting the vines for each boy 410 00:20:11,135 --> 00:20:12,693 Is left up to trusted elders, 411 00:20:12,695 --> 00:20:17,130 And they do so based on the height and weight of the boy. 412 00:20:17,132 --> 00:20:19,574 So talk about a process to make sure 413 00:20:19,576 --> 00:20:21,685 You treat your elders with respect? 414 00:20:21,687 --> 00:20:25,097 This is it, because any miscalculation can be fatal. 415 00:20:25,099 --> 00:20:28,467 - A successful jump means the boy is now a man. 416 00:20:28,469 --> 00:20:30,803 It also brings good luck to the village, 417 00:20:30,805 --> 00:20:34,823 And that usually means an excellent yam harvest. 418 00:20:34,825 --> 00:20:38,885 - [dan] so just who started this daring ritual of manhood? 419 00:20:38,887 --> 00:20:42,306 Surprisingly, not a man. 420 00:20:42,717 --> 00:20:44,166 (suspenseful music) 421 00:20:44,168 --> 00:20:46,502 - A wife is being abused by her husband. 422 00:20:47,062 --> 00:20:51,156 She flees him, she climbs up into a tree, 423 00:20:51,158 --> 00:20:55,569 Attaches vines to her legs, and dives from the tree, 424 00:20:55,571 --> 00:21:00,983 Saved by these springy, moist, strong vines. 425 00:21:01,819 --> 00:21:05,762 - Her husband, seeing this, attempts the same thing, 426 00:21:05,764 --> 00:21:08,190 But when he jumps, he dies. 427 00:21:08,192 --> 00:21:10,250 (pulsing mysterious music) 428 00:21:10,252 --> 00:21:12,602 - Women in the area begin jumping for fun, 429 00:21:12,604 --> 00:21:16,106 Inspired by the woman's act of marital defiance. 430 00:21:16,108 --> 00:21:18,667 - But to avert the shame 431 00:21:18,669 --> 00:21:21,928 Of being shown up by women of the village, 432 00:21:21,930 --> 00:21:26,283 The males claim this ritual for their own. 433 00:21:26,285 --> 00:21:29,653 (suspenseful music) 434 00:21:29,655 --> 00:21:32,181 - If this ritual sounds familiar, it should, 435 00:21:32,183 --> 00:21:34,458 Because it's become a recreational activity 436 00:21:34,460 --> 00:21:36,352 That's been scaring the pants off people 437 00:21:36,354 --> 00:21:38,170 For more than 50 years. 438 00:21:39,557 --> 00:21:41,798 - In the 1970s, a man by the name of a.J. Hackett 439 00:21:41,800 --> 00:21:45,477 Visits the island and he sees land diving being performed, 440 00:21:45,479 --> 00:21:47,721 And he is fascinated, he's intrigued, 441 00:21:47,723 --> 00:21:51,725 And he also thinks "I could make some money off of this." 442 00:21:52,470 --> 00:21:55,187 - He asks the locals if he can make a version of land diving 443 00:21:55,189 --> 00:21:57,814 That he can share outside of vanuatu, 444 00:21:57,816 --> 00:22:01,894 And he makes a few safety modifications along the way, 445 00:22:01,896 --> 00:22:04,221 And ends up calling it bungee jumping. 446 00:22:04,223 --> 00:22:06,157 (dramatic insistent music) 447 00:22:06,159 --> 00:22:08,159 - [dan] five million people worldwide 448 00:22:08,161 --> 00:22:10,035 Have tried bungee jumping, 449 00:22:10,037 --> 00:22:13,622 But land diving isn't something you can just try. 450 00:22:14,542 --> 00:22:17,292 - To this day, this ritual remains, 451 00:22:17,294 --> 00:22:19,186 And when tourists visit vanuatu, 452 00:22:19,188 --> 00:22:22,548 The island residents perform the ritual for them, 453 00:22:22,550 --> 00:22:24,917 And quite often, of course, a tourist would think, 454 00:22:24,919 --> 00:22:25,992 "hey, can I try?" 455 00:22:25,994 --> 00:22:28,237 And the answer is "absolutely not. 456 00:22:28,239 --> 00:22:29,830 You're not a member of our community. 457 00:22:29,832 --> 00:22:30,939 Take your butt outta here and go bungee jumping." 458 00:22:31,092 --> 00:22:31,757 Take your butt outta here and go bungee jumping." 459 00:22:32,426 --> 00:22:33,092 Take your butt outta here and go bungee jumping." 460 00:22:33,227 --> 00:22:34,352 (crowd cheering) 461 00:22:34,354 --> 00:22:37,563 (suspenseful music) 462 00:22:40,008 --> 00:22:41,067 - Do you pinky swear? 463 00:22:41,069 --> 00:22:42,951 Well, I sure as heck don't. 464 00:22:43,237 --> 00:22:47,030 As innocuous as this childhood oath may seem, 465 00:22:47,032 --> 00:22:50,025 It has a seriously dark origin story. 466 00:22:50,027 --> 00:22:51,860 (dark ambient music) 467 00:22:51,862 --> 00:22:54,855 - The yakuza, the infamous japanese crime syndicate, 468 00:22:54,857 --> 00:22:59,043 Begins a ritual that is actually known as finger shortening. 469 00:23:00,737 --> 00:23:02,287 They call it "yubitsume," 470 00:23:02,289 --> 00:23:04,865 Which is the act of amputating your own finger 471 00:23:04,867 --> 00:23:07,033 Using a super sharp knife, 472 00:23:07,035 --> 00:23:08,777 And this would be used as a punishment 473 00:23:08,779 --> 00:23:11,630 For disobeying the rules of the organization. 474 00:23:12,617 --> 00:23:17,002 - You are required to cut off the uppermost portion 475 00:23:17,004 --> 00:23:20,856 Of your left pinky, wrap in some kind of a cloth, 476 00:23:20,858 --> 00:23:24,727 And present as ceremonially to the authority figure 477 00:23:24,729 --> 00:23:26,153 Who you have offended. 478 00:23:27,748 --> 00:23:29,982 - First infraction? One knuckle. 479 00:23:29,984 --> 00:23:32,843 Second infraction? Next knuckle. 480 00:23:32,845 --> 00:23:35,979 You could tell someone's level of infractions 481 00:23:35,981 --> 00:23:37,314 In their crime syndicate 482 00:23:37,316 --> 00:23:40,075 By how many knuckles they have left. 483 00:23:40,077 --> 00:23:42,128 - [dan] in a move that seems to defy logic, 484 00:23:42,130 --> 00:23:45,423 The ritual makes its way to american playgrounds, 485 00:23:45,425 --> 00:23:47,933 Thankfully transformed. 486 00:23:47,935 --> 00:23:49,251 - Not quite as brutal, 487 00:23:49,253 --> 00:23:53,413 But a pinky swear is the most solemn form of swear. 488 00:23:53,415 --> 00:23:55,015 Nobody breaks that bond. 489 00:23:56,168 --> 00:23:58,727 - As it turns out, oath rituals don't get 490 00:23:58,729 --> 00:24:01,046 Any less outlandish the older you get, 491 00:24:01,865 --> 00:24:04,692 Even for the planet's most powerful people. 492 00:24:05,761 --> 00:24:10,296 - Bohemian club is set up in san francisco in 1872, 493 00:24:10,298 --> 00:24:11,365 And basically, this is 494 00:24:11,367 --> 00:24:12,825 A club for journalists, 495 00:24:12,827 --> 00:24:14,209 For people who are exploring 496 00:24:14,211 --> 00:24:15,268 And thinking about ideas. 497 00:24:15,270 --> 00:24:16,829 The cool kids, if you will. 498 00:24:16,831 --> 00:24:21,834 Ronald reagan, richard nixon, kissinger is in the club. 499 00:24:21,836 --> 00:24:25,671 - [dan] but the city is no place to forge fraternal bonds. 500 00:24:25,673 --> 00:24:29,483 That happens in a hidden forest in northern california 501 00:24:29,485 --> 00:24:31,802 Called bohemian grove. 502 00:24:33,322 --> 00:24:35,547 - It's really like the ultimate sleepaway 503 00:24:35,700 --> 00:24:36,723 Summer camp for 504 00:24:36,725 --> 00:24:38,066 Rich and famous men. 505 00:24:38,536 --> 00:24:42,045 They sleep in tents, they drink heavily, 506 00:24:42,047 --> 00:24:43,380 And they also network. 507 00:24:43,382 --> 00:24:44,573 (light haunting music) 508 00:24:44,575 --> 00:24:46,716 - [dan] don't let the laughs and liquor fool you. 509 00:24:46,718 --> 00:24:48,777 Members gather at the bohemian grove 510 00:24:48,779 --> 00:24:52,322 To hatch plans that change history. 511 00:24:52,324 --> 00:24:53,732 (suspenseful music) 512 00:24:53,734 --> 00:24:58,570 - No less than the manhattan project was agreed upon here. 513 00:24:58,572 --> 00:25:02,524 J. Robert oppenheimer first breaches the idea 514 00:25:02,526 --> 00:25:04,084 At bohemian grove. 515 00:25:04,086 --> 00:25:07,162 We can thank atomic weaponry and atomic power 516 00:25:07,164 --> 00:25:09,965 For what happens at bohemian grove. 517 00:25:11,968 --> 00:25:13,344 - [dan] before getting down to business, 518 00:25:13,346 --> 00:25:15,888 The retreat kicks off with an odd ritual. 519 00:25:16,690 --> 00:25:19,642 This is when things get weird. 520 00:25:19,644 --> 00:25:24,112 - The retreat begins with an ornate ceremony 521 00:25:24,114 --> 00:25:26,815 Called "the cremation of care." 522 00:25:27,434 --> 00:25:29,268 The idea being that we are here 523 00:25:29,270 --> 00:25:32,755 To take the weight of power off of our shoulders. 524 00:25:32,757 --> 00:25:35,624 We're leaving behind the cares of the outer world. 525 00:25:35,626 --> 00:25:39,828 - A boat known as "the ferry of care" contains an effigy 526 00:25:39,830 --> 00:25:43,115 In the shape of a body known as "the body of care" 527 00:25:43,117 --> 00:25:45,542 And it is sent across the body of water 528 00:25:45,544 --> 00:25:49,137 To these dark, mysterious, hooded figures. 529 00:25:49,640 --> 00:25:51,390 (haunting ambient music) 530 00:25:51,392 --> 00:25:54,793 - This effigy is placed at the feet 531 00:25:54,795 --> 00:25:58,204 Of this 40-foot owl structure 532 00:25:58,206 --> 00:26:02,785 That's covered in moss and leaves, and it is set afire, 533 00:26:02,787 --> 00:26:05,645 And so is immolated the cares of the world, 534 00:26:05,647 --> 00:26:10,067 And so is sealed a bond of privacy among members. 535 00:26:11,161 --> 00:26:13,270 - This 40-foot owl statue, 536 00:26:13,272 --> 00:26:16,315 This shrine, is so important to these men, 537 00:26:16,317 --> 00:26:19,084 They've actually come up with a name for it 538 00:26:19,086 --> 00:26:21,036 That has deep meaning for them. 539 00:26:21,038 --> 00:26:23,672 They call it "the owl." 540 00:26:23,674 --> 00:26:25,915 (pulsing electronic music) 541 00:26:25,917 --> 00:26:30,570 - And apparently, the owl speaks with the voice 542 00:26:30,572 --> 00:26:33,832 Of famed newsman walter cronkite. 543 00:26:33,834 --> 00:26:36,660 An owl that sounds like walter cronkite? 544 00:26:36,662 --> 00:26:40,922 Super weird, but that's how the rich and powerful get down. 545 00:26:40,924 --> 00:26:42,783 - [dan] I am walter cronkite, 546 00:26:42,785 --> 00:26:45,026 And that's the way it is. 547 00:26:45,028 --> 00:26:47,429 The bohemian club is still active today, 548 00:26:47,431 --> 00:26:51,016 Planning who knows what, because remember, 549 00:26:51,018 --> 00:26:54,737 What happens in the grove stays in the grove. 550 00:26:56,090 --> 00:26:58,841 To date, bohemian grove has a several decades long 551 00:26:58,843 --> 00:27:01,026 Waiting list for admission. 552 00:27:01,028 --> 00:27:02,953 Wonder when I'll get my invite? 553 00:27:03,864 --> 00:27:05,180 But I digress. 554 00:27:05,182 --> 00:27:08,751 Talking owls might seem tame compared to this next ritual 555 00:27:08,753 --> 00:27:13,613 Performed by members of another powerful secret society. 556 00:27:13,615 --> 00:27:16,475 (dark atmospheric music) 557 00:27:16,477 --> 00:27:20,804 - Founded in 1832, skull and bones will become the first 558 00:27:20,806 --> 00:27:24,825 Of what will later be called the "ancient eight consortium" 559 00:27:24,827 --> 00:27:27,293 Of yale's secret societies. 560 00:27:27,462 --> 00:27:29,371 (suspenseful music) 561 00:27:29,373 --> 00:27:31,523 So shrouded in secrecy is the skull and bones 562 00:27:31,525 --> 00:27:35,485 That when two bonesmen, george w. Bush and john kerry, 563 00:27:35,487 --> 00:27:39,047 Run against each other in the 2004 presidential election, 564 00:27:39,049 --> 00:27:41,383 The media pestered them constantly on 565 00:27:41,385 --> 00:27:43,143 "what was it like in the skull and bones?" 566 00:27:43,145 --> 00:27:45,153 And zip. Mum's the word. 567 00:27:45,155 --> 00:27:48,056 Neither of them say a single thing about it. 568 00:27:48,926 --> 00:27:50,817 - [dan] another thing they're keeping in the vault, 569 00:27:50,819 --> 00:27:55,096 The secret society's unusual initiation ritual. 570 00:27:55,098 --> 00:27:56,656 - To become a member of skull and bones, 571 00:27:56,658 --> 00:28:01,828 It all begins with a ritual that takes place every spring 572 00:28:01,830 --> 00:28:04,056 And is known as "tap night." 573 00:28:04,058 --> 00:28:06,833 The men dress up in their suits 574 00:28:06,835 --> 00:28:09,186 And they stand there and they wait. 575 00:28:10,297 --> 00:28:12,881 - Literally, someone will come up behind them, 576 00:28:12,883 --> 00:28:15,667 Tap them on the shoulder and say, 577 00:28:15,669 --> 00:28:17,936 "skull and bones. Do you accept?" 578 00:28:17,938 --> 00:28:21,281 - [dan] and if you say yes, you're led to an ominous looking 579 00:28:21,283 --> 00:28:23,458 Building called "the tomb," 580 00:28:23,460 --> 00:28:27,112 And are henceforth known as a neophyte. 581 00:28:28,206 --> 00:28:31,750 - From the first moment that the neophyte enters the tomb, 582 00:28:31,752 --> 00:28:34,302 He's greeted by two members, 583 00:28:34,304 --> 00:28:37,089 A bag is placed over his head. 584 00:28:38,400 --> 00:28:43,295 - They are surrounded by figures in various macabre garb, 585 00:28:43,297 --> 00:28:45,931 Including that of the devil himself. 586 00:28:45,933 --> 00:28:50,085 They are then compelled to strip bare their clothing 587 00:28:50,087 --> 00:28:55,232 And physically wrestle with other neophytes. 588 00:28:57,160 --> 00:28:59,294 - [dan] after all the tapping, beating, stripping, 589 00:28:59,296 --> 00:29:03,657 And wrestling, the initiate meets his maker, sort of. 590 00:29:04,976 --> 00:29:08,069 - They make you lie in a coffin, naked, 591 00:29:08,071 --> 00:29:09,513 In front of everyone, 592 00:29:09,515 --> 00:29:12,583 And then offer up a detailed recounting 593 00:29:12,585 --> 00:29:14,668 Of your sexual history. 594 00:29:16,497 --> 00:29:20,432 - They then read the oath of secrecy 595 00:29:20,434 --> 00:29:24,744 And they drink a red, viscous fluid 596 00:29:24,746 --> 00:29:29,057 That's supposed to be blood from an upended skull. 597 00:29:30,494 --> 00:29:34,830 Afterwards, the pledge is slapped in the face 598 00:29:34,832 --> 00:29:36,531 With the devil's tail. 599 00:29:36,533 --> 00:29:37,733 (smack) 600 00:29:39,444 --> 00:29:40,544 - To wrap it all up, 601 00:29:40,546 --> 00:29:43,822 He kneels before a person dressed as the pope. 602 00:29:44,942 --> 00:29:49,461 The pope is seated in a chair in full pope garb. 603 00:29:49,463 --> 00:29:52,297 On his left foot, there is a white slipper, 604 00:29:52,299 --> 00:29:55,784 And that foot is resting on a human skull. 605 00:29:55,786 --> 00:30:00,889 The initiate walks up, kisses the foot of the pope, 606 00:30:00,891 --> 00:30:03,475 And at that moment, becomes a bonesman. 607 00:30:03,477 --> 00:30:06,695 They are now a member of the skull and bones. 608 00:30:06,697 --> 00:30:08,463 - [dan] if drinking blood and foot kissing 609 00:30:08,465 --> 00:30:10,382 Doesn't sound like your thing, 610 00:30:10,384 --> 00:30:13,435 Membership does have its privileges. 611 00:30:13,437 --> 00:30:15,354 - Apparently, if you're a bonesman, 612 00:30:15,356 --> 00:30:18,357 You get thousands of dollars upon graduation, 613 00:30:18,359 --> 00:30:22,027 Access to mansions and different buildings 614 00:30:22,029 --> 00:30:24,162 Around the country, around the world, 615 00:30:24,164 --> 00:30:28,157 And some of the most powerful people in american history 616 00:30:28,159 --> 00:30:31,053 Have been members of skull and bones. 617 00:30:31,055 --> 00:30:33,455 (dramatic whoosh) 618 00:30:36,501 --> 00:30:38,577 - Health rituals are a part of our everyday lives. 619 00:30:38,579 --> 00:30:39,836 Catch a cold? 620 00:30:39,838 --> 00:30:42,338 Eat chicken noodle soup and pop a few aspirin. 621 00:30:42,340 --> 00:30:43,899 Works like a charm. 622 00:30:43,901 --> 00:30:45,825 But 400 years ago, one british king 623 00:30:45,827 --> 00:30:48,344 Embraces a different healing ritual, 624 00:30:48,346 --> 00:30:52,173 One in which the cure might be worse than the disease. 625 00:30:52,684 --> 00:30:55,227 (suspenseful music) 626 00:30:55,229 --> 00:30:58,096 - King charles ii knows how to party. 627 00:30:58,098 --> 00:31:02,067 By golly, he makes sure to have as much fun as you can fit 628 00:31:02,069 --> 00:31:03,569 Into one lifespan. 629 00:31:04,989 --> 00:31:08,773 - He has multiple mistresses, 630 00:31:08,775 --> 00:31:11,626 12 illegitimate children. 631 00:31:11,628 --> 00:31:16,464 He also is consuming delicacies left and right, 632 00:31:16,466 --> 00:31:21,962 Fatty, rich meats and delicious wines, day in and day out. 633 00:31:22,989 --> 00:31:25,006 - [dan] the king's party boy lifestyle 634 00:31:25,008 --> 00:31:26,775 Finally gets the better of him 635 00:31:26,777 --> 00:31:29,720 And he falls victim to gout and a stroke. 636 00:31:30,614 --> 00:31:31,796 - He wants something to make him 637 00:31:31,798 --> 00:31:33,314 Feel better after his stroke, 638 00:31:33,316 --> 00:31:37,135 And so he decides that the most incredible thing he can do 639 00:31:37,137 --> 00:31:39,729 Is choose an almost magical implement 640 00:31:39,731 --> 00:31:41,982 Called "goddard's drops." 641 00:31:43,551 --> 00:31:46,128 - [dan] created by physician jonathan goddard, 642 00:31:46,130 --> 00:31:47,796 The drops are a strange tincture 643 00:31:47,798 --> 00:31:50,799 Containing a most unusual ingredient. 644 00:31:50,801 --> 00:31:52,784 (pulsing suspenseful music) 645 00:31:52,786 --> 00:31:54,986 - These aren't just any drops. 646 00:31:54,988 --> 00:32:00,142 These drops contain up to five pounds in one batch 647 00:32:00,144 --> 00:32:02,677 Of crushed human skulls. 648 00:32:02,679 --> 00:32:05,930 (haunting music) 649 00:32:05,932 --> 00:32:08,750 - [dan] charles ii's doctors begin ritualistically 650 00:32:08,752 --> 00:32:11,853 Administering goddard's drops to him every day. 651 00:32:11,855 --> 00:32:15,507 - King charles ii becomes so enamored of his drops 652 00:32:15,509 --> 00:32:20,862 That he ultimately buys the formula for 6,000 pounds, 653 00:32:21,649 --> 00:32:24,590 Which roughly translates to half a million in today's money. 654 00:32:24,592 --> 00:32:27,869 At that point, they stop being "goddard's drops" 655 00:32:27,871 --> 00:32:30,989 And they start being called "the king's drops." 656 00:32:30,991 --> 00:32:32,207 - It doesn't actually cure him. 657 00:32:32,209 --> 00:32:33,659 In fact, there's some suggestion that, 658 00:32:33,661 --> 00:32:38,830 Because his physicians are giving him 40 drops a day 659 00:32:38,832 --> 00:32:40,932 As he's ailing at the end of his life, 660 00:32:40,934 --> 00:32:43,351 That it's probably the drops that hastened 661 00:32:43,353 --> 00:32:46,145 His final end in 1685. 662 00:32:46,147 --> 00:32:48,173 (dramatic music) 663 00:32:49,551 --> 00:32:52,260 - [dan] next up, another 17th century ritual 664 00:32:52,262 --> 00:32:54,479 That involves ingesting something 665 00:32:54,481 --> 00:32:58,550 That sounds a little more appealing, at first. 666 00:32:58,552 --> 00:32:59,984 (suspenseful music) 667 00:32:59,986 --> 00:33:03,555 - The salem witch trials truly begin with erratic behavior, 668 00:33:03,557 --> 00:33:05,557 Showed on the part of a few young women, 669 00:33:05,559 --> 00:33:08,877 In particular, a young woman known as elizabeth paris, 670 00:33:08,879 --> 00:33:11,238 More commonly known as betty. 671 00:33:12,074 --> 00:33:14,549 - Betty and several other young girls 672 00:33:14,551 --> 00:33:17,994 Are suffering convulsions and acting erratically, 673 00:33:17,996 --> 00:33:21,990 And everything is going wrong in salem. 674 00:33:23,035 --> 00:33:25,593 - Betty is examined by the local doctor, william griggs, 675 00:33:25,595 --> 00:33:28,580 Who can't find anything physically wrong with her. 676 00:33:28,582 --> 00:33:32,092 That's when they decide it has to be witchcraft. 677 00:33:33,695 --> 00:33:37,239 - Enter the paris family's neighbor, mary sibley, 678 00:33:37,241 --> 00:33:39,141 Who believes she has the answer. 679 00:33:40,969 --> 00:33:42,060 A witch cake. 680 00:33:42,863 --> 00:33:44,162 - Mary sibley's cake 681 00:33:44,164 --> 00:33:46,614 Is a little bit different than your average cake. 682 00:33:46,616 --> 00:33:51,177 It's rye, it's ashes, something personal of betty's, 683 00:33:51,179 --> 00:33:54,363 And then there's one last ingredient, 684 00:33:54,365 --> 00:33:56,516 A dash of betty's urine. 685 00:33:56,518 --> 00:33:58,726 (mysterious pulsing music) 686 00:33:58,728 --> 00:34:02,130 - [dan] that last ingredient isn't the icing on the cake, 687 00:34:02,132 --> 00:34:05,584 It's the key to making the dough do its thing. 688 00:34:06,194 --> 00:34:07,561 - That is right. 689 00:34:07,563 --> 00:34:11,606 You have to take the urine of the affected individual 690 00:34:11,608 --> 00:34:14,342 And then mix it in with this rye flour, 691 00:34:14,344 --> 00:34:17,361 And then you bake a cake that kind of looks a little bit 692 00:34:17,363 --> 00:34:19,314 Like this ball with spikes on it. 693 00:34:19,316 --> 00:34:24,235 - And when baked, it has to be fed to something particular 694 00:34:24,237 --> 00:34:26,638 To figure out if betty is a witch, 695 00:34:26,640 --> 00:34:27,889 And that's something particular 696 00:34:27,891 --> 00:34:30,716 Is the paris's family dog. 697 00:34:30,718 --> 00:34:33,070 (dog barking) poor dog. 698 00:34:35,148 --> 00:34:38,633 - The folk belief around this witch's cake 699 00:34:38,635 --> 00:34:44,005 Is that feeding it to a dog will induce in the dog 700 00:34:44,732 --> 00:34:48,543 The same symptoms that are displayed by the accused witch. 701 00:34:50,022 --> 00:34:53,665 - More bizarre still is that the dog 702 00:34:53,667 --> 00:34:56,943 Is meant to fall into a trance 703 00:34:56,945 --> 00:35:02,516 And then somehow, dog speaks and says the name of the witch. 704 00:35:02,951 --> 00:35:04,175 (dog barking) 705 00:35:04,177 --> 00:35:06,177 - I bet all of the girls in the village named ruth 706 00:35:06,179 --> 00:35:09,372 Were probably pretty nervous at this point in time. 707 00:35:10,233 --> 00:35:13,276 - [dan] after the paris family dog has eaten the cake, 708 00:35:13,278 --> 00:35:17,096 The results are in, and as for betty's fate? 709 00:35:17,098 --> 00:35:18,657 - Betty paris gets off. 710 00:35:18,659 --> 00:35:21,076 Her dog does not rat her out. 711 00:35:21,929 --> 00:35:22,935 - In this particular instance, 712 00:35:22,937 --> 00:35:26,147 The witch cake ritual doesn't definitively 713 00:35:26,149 --> 00:35:29,868 Mark out a specific person as a witch. 714 00:35:29,870 --> 00:35:33,779 - Over the next year, the witch's cake 715 00:35:33,781 --> 00:35:36,966 Is considered a valid tool of justice 716 00:35:36,968 --> 00:35:40,528 And serves as a device of mass hysteria 717 00:35:40,530 --> 00:35:43,898 To point fingers at increasing numbers of victims. 718 00:35:44,642 --> 00:35:48,353 - That's one cake I do not want the recipe for. 719 00:35:48,355 --> 00:35:50,296 Next up, some hygiene rituals 720 00:35:50,298 --> 00:35:53,400 That promise a different kind of transformation. 721 00:35:55,945 --> 00:35:57,487 - We all have our morning rituals. 722 00:35:57,489 --> 00:35:59,314 For some of us, it's a hot shower. 723 00:35:59,316 --> 00:36:01,240 For others, a quick wash of the face. 724 00:36:01,242 --> 00:36:02,975 Some can only manage to brush their teeth 725 00:36:02,977 --> 00:36:04,736 Before getting out the door. 726 00:36:04,738 --> 00:36:06,721 The citizens of ancient rome, 727 00:36:06,723 --> 00:36:11,376 They like mouthwash, and the go-to flavor? 728 00:36:11,378 --> 00:36:14,938 Well let's just say it's not cinnamon or mint. 729 00:36:14,940 --> 00:36:17,591 (pulsing ambient music) 730 00:36:17,593 --> 00:36:19,050 - If you're living in ancient rome 731 00:36:19,052 --> 00:36:22,053 And you want the freshest of breath to start the day, 732 00:36:22,055 --> 00:36:24,605 Why not grab the finest cup 733 00:36:24,607 --> 00:36:27,016 Of urine, swish it around, 734 00:36:27,018 --> 00:36:29,093 And gargle and spit? 735 00:36:29,705 --> 00:36:31,079 - [dan] as wild as it sounds, 736 00:36:31,081 --> 00:36:34,749 This very strange and very natural teeth cleaning agent 737 00:36:34,751 --> 00:36:37,936 Actually works really well. 738 00:36:37,938 --> 00:36:41,530 - Should you distill urine for long enough, 739 00:36:41,532 --> 00:36:43,349 It can become ammonia. 740 00:36:43,460 --> 00:36:45,951 Mix it with water and voila, 741 00:36:45,953 --> 00:36:48,696 A not necessarily palatable, 742 00:36:48,698 --> 00:36:51,290 But a very functional teeth-whitening, 743 00:36:51,292 --> 00:36:53,609 Teeth-preserving agent. 744 00:36:53,611 --> 00:36:56,487 - [dan] the ritual becomes so popular, in fact, 745 00:36:56,489 --> 00:36:57,789 That it turns into big business 746 00:36:57,791 --> 00:37:00,574 For urine collectors throughout the eternal city. 747 00:37:00,576 --> 00:37:03,094 - When you walk through public spaces, 748 00:37:03,096 --> 00:37:05,797 There are pots that you can go to 749 00:37:05,799 --> 00:37:08,316 To relieve yourself if necessary. 750 00:37:08,318 --> 00:37:10,060 - They are turned into ammonia over time 751 00:37:10,062 --> 00:37:13,872 And redistributed out and it is quite a lucrative business. 752 00:37:13,874 --> 00:37:17,383 - So popular does the urine mouthwash become 753 00:37:17,385 --> 00:37:21,237 That the government puts a tax on urine. 754 00:37:21,331 --> 00:37:23,615 Imagine that, a pee tax. 755 00:37:25,202 --> 00:37:27,226 - [dan] it even coins a turn of phrase 756 00:37:27,228 --> 00:37:30,354 That somehow has a positive connotation. 757 00:37:30,356 --> 00:37:31,823 - Today, if you go to rome 758 00:37:31,825 --> 00:37:35,009 And you see somebody with exceptionally white teeth, 759 00:37:35,011 --> 00:37:37,678 There is a common saying, I don't know what in italian, 760 00:37:37,680 --> 00:37:40,507 But it translates to, "you're full of piss." 761 00:37:41,777 --> 00:37:44,519 - I'll stick to regular mouthwash, thanks. 762 00:37:44,521 --> 00:37:47,739 But if you're still looking for natural self-care trends, 763 00:37:47,741 --> 00:37:50,091 There's a new one to get you to relax, 764 00:37:50,093 --> 00:37:52,501 But it's not for the squeamish. 765 00:37:52,503 --> 00:37:54,737 (bubbling electronic music) 766 00:37:54,739 --> 00:37:57,515 - I've been to a fair few spas in my life 767 00:37:57,517 --> 00:37:59,700 And they are very ritualistic, 768 00:37:59,702 --> 00:38:02,353 But I've never had this one done. 769 00:38:02,355 --> 00:38:03,554 (snakes hissing) 770 00:38:03,556 --> 00:38:06,841 - Instead of a massage therapist laying hands on you, 771 00:38:06,843 --> 00:38:12,163 You instead have snakes placed upon your body 772 00:38:13,033 --> 00:38:18,169 And their whole job is to crawl and slither over your body 773 00:38:18,905 --> 00:38:19,954 As you lay there. 774 00:38:19,956 --> 00:38:21,289 (snakes hissing) 775 00:38:21,291 --> 00:38:24,216 - And contrary to popular misconception, 776 00:38:24,218 --> 00:38:25,701 Snakes are not slimy, 777 00:38:25,703 --> 00:38:27,987 And the reason this might actually feel good 778 00:38:27,989 --> 00:38:30,323 Is that snakes are very muscular animals, 779 00:38:30,325 --> 00:38:33,217 So simply placing them on your body, 780 00:38:33,219 --> 00:38:35,703 They are gonna be just sort of clinging 781 00:38:35,705 --> 00:38:37,188 And moving around a little bit, 782 00:38:37,190 --> 00:38:39,707 And that motion, you know, maybe it can be 783 00:38:39,709 --> 00:38:41,317 Kind of therapeutic and work out 784 00:38:41,319 --> 00:38:43,403 Some of the tension in your muscles. 785 00:38:44,614 --> 00:38:48,199 - [dan] so where can one go to get said snake massage? 786 00:38:48,201 --> 00:38:51,578 - It's become very popular in thailand, in russia, 787 00:38:51,580 --> 00:38:53,687 And in fact, even in new york city, 788 00:38:53,689 --> 00:38:56,982 You can pay $300 an hour to be embraced 789 00:38:56,984 --> 00:38:58,317 By a boa constrictor. 790 00:38:58,319 --> 00:39:00,086 (calming new age music) 791 00:39:00,088 --> 00:39:02,838 - You can get one of these snake massages, 792 00:39:02,840 --> 00:39:08,603 Which is led by a snake handler dubbed "serpent tessa." 793 00:39:08,889 --> 00:39:10,846 People who do this ritual 794 00:39:10,848 --> 00:39:13,975 Claim that it lowers their blood pressure. 795 00:39:13,977 --> 00:39:16,561 Some claim that it even lessens their anxiety. 796 00:39:16,563 --> 00:39:18,646 Some even say that it helps them 797 00:39:18,648 --> 00:39:22,016 To overcome their fear of snakes. 798 00:39:22,018 --> 00:39:25,269 - [dan] although serpent tessa's snakes sound scary, 799 00:39:25,271 --> 00:39:28,364 There is a skincare ritual that can suck the life 800 00:39:28,366 --> 00:39:31,576 Right out of you, or at least the color. 801 00:39:31,861 --> 00:39:34,295 (suspenseful music) 802 00:39:34,297 --> 00:39:38,733 - Bloodletting, the practice of letting out blood 803 00:39:38,735 --> 00:39:42,770 In order to help the body rejuvenate its defenses, 804 00:39:42,772 --> 00:39:45,123 Get rid of infections, 805 00:39:45,125 --> 00:39:48,075 It's been used for thousands of years. 806 00:39:48,887 --> 00:39:51,388 - [dan] in the 16th century, european women find a way 807 00:39:51,390 --> 00:39:55,483 To use bloodletting to make a fashion statement. 808 00:39:55,485 --> 00:39:58,486 - You've probably seen paintings of 16th century noblewomen 809 00:39:58,488 --> 00:40:01,822 And they have these wonderfully powder white complexions. 810 00:40:01,824 --> 00:40:03,299 There's a reason for that. 811 00:40:03,301 --> 00:40:04,358 It turns out, 812 00:40:04,360 --> 00:40:07,052 Bloodletting can be used for cosmetic purposes. 813 00:40:07,054 --> 00:40:10,281 And how are you going to get the blood out of your face 814 00:40:10,283 --> 00:40:11,666 To make it pale like that? 815 00:40:11,668 --> 00:40:15,494 Well, you're going to elicit the help of some friends. 816 00:40:15,496 --> 00:40:19,374 (atmospheric music) 817 00:40:19,376 --> 00:40:22,243 - Simply the temporary application of a leech, 818 00:40:22,245 --> 00:40:25,547 Let it suck your blood for a bit, and then take it off. 819 00:40:26,608 --> 00:40:29,767 - Leeches have three jaws and over a hundred teeth, 820 00:40:29,769 --> 00:40:33,454 So they are the perfect thing to suck the blood, 821 00:40:33,456 --> 00:40:36,699 To suck the color, directly from your face. 822 00:40:36,701 --> 00:40:38,342 - [dan] and where do they get these leeches? 823 00:40:38,344 --> 00:40:41,679 Let's just say a lot of rich aristocratic women 824 00:40:41,681 --> 00:40:43,565 Suddenly take up gardening. 825 00:40:45,652 --> 00:40:48,119 - You've got noblewomen pinning them on 826 00:40:48,121 --> 00:40:51,280 Behind their ears, to their neck, 827 00:40:51,282 --> 00:40:53,107 Generally places where, you know, 828 00:40:53,109 --> 00:40:55,784 The scar wouldn't be too much. 829 00:40:55,786 --> 00:40:57,295 - [dan] if you think leech facials 830 00:40:57,297 --> 00:41:00,198 Are a vestige of 16th century europe, 831 00:41:00,200 --> 00:41:02,208 Well, you won't believe this. 832 00:41:03,402 --> 00:41:05,502 (playful music) 833 00:41:05,504 --> 00:41:07,538 - You can actually get a leech facial today 834 00:41:07,540 --> 00:41:08,539 If you wanted to. 835 00:41:08,541 --> 00:41:11,300 - For $200, you can go to a specialist 836 00:41:11,302 --> 00:41:14,712 Who will take a leech, attach it under your chin, 837 00:41:14,714 --> 00:41:18,157 And then ultimately rub both the extracted blood 838 00:41:18,159 --> 00:41:21,869 And the leech secretions into and around your face. 839 00:41:21,871 --> 00:41:24,981 Supposedly, it gives you a lovely glow. 840 00:41:27,318 --> 00:41:31,679 - These unusual rituals reveal many interesting things 841 00:41:31,681 --> 00:41:33,147 About us humans. 842 00:41:33,149 --> 00:41:35,240 Some of them might seem strange, 843 00:41:35,242 --> 00:41:37,393 Others downright terrifying, 844 00:41:37,395 --> 00:41:41,122 But all of them are truly unbelievable. 845 00:41:41,202 --> 00:41:43,202 >>>>oakislandtk<<<<< www.opensubtitles.org 846 00:41:43,252 --> 00:41:47,802 Repair and Synchronization by Easy Subtitles Synchronizer 1.0.0.0