December Been there photo competition: rituals – in pictures

Here are the images that best capture the theme of rituals around the world in the last readers' photo competition of the year
  
  


Been there gallery Dec 11: Monks circling Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand
Benjamin Arthur: Alms collection and a mantra by Buddhist monks circling Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. It's the most beautiful ritual I've ever been lucky enough to witness. Photograph: Benjamin Arthur
Been there gallery Dec 11: Malta, cannon
Amy Carr: This midday gun salute in Valletta, Malta, is a 400-year-old tradition that was performed until the 1960s and resurrected in 2004. A cannon used to be fired at sunrise, noon and sunset, as a means of timekeeping for the town and for ships to check their timepieces. With only moments to spare, the two soldiers realised some vital element to fire the charge was missing – and with no hint of panic the one on the right dashed back inside (hands formally clutched to his chest, knees up) and returned in time for them to fire the cannon bang on noon. The photo captures the flame and smoke belched from the cannon's mouth, but also the concentration of the soldier still looking at his watch, and the other's face, screwed up in anticipation of the blast. Photograph: Amy Carr
Been there gallery Dec 11: Ganga Aarti ceremony, Rishikesh
Razvan Ciuca: This woman splashing water on her face during the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony in Rishikesh, northern India, caught my interest the very first day I attended the religious ritual. But only on the second day did I realise why she was different from other devotees. Slow in her movements, after entering the river she took her time with every single action, displaying a serenity I've rarely seen before. Caught within her own time bubble, the woman ignored everyone while completing the purification ritual. Afterwards, she joined the rest of us, singing together in sweet, haunting voices. Photograph: Razvan Ciuca
Been there gallery Dec 11: Sera monastery, Tibet
Louisa Wood: The child has been blessed by the monks at the Sera monastery in Tibet. The mark, a dab of soot, protects them from evil spirits and nightmares. The monastery was bustling with families all bringing their children to receive a blessing. Photograph: Louisa Wood
Been there gallery Dec 11: a battle dance, Bali
Eldode Loin: The Kecak is a form of Balinese dance that depicts a battle to fight evil spirits. I was impressed by the magical atmosphere and the dancer playing with the flames. Photograph: Eldode Loin
Been there gallery Dec 11: Jing'an Temple in Shanghai
Miranda Lowe: A busy temple in the middle of Shanghai. The girl is concentrating on her worshipping and completely oblivious to the noisy tourists surrounding her. Burning incense sticks are used in the Buddhism ritual for Chinese ancestor worship, and I liked the way the flames and smoke from them created a mysterious barrier in the middle of the photo. Photograph: Miranda Lowe
Been there gallery Dec 11: Kermanshah, Iran
James Lidgett: Every lunchtime in Iran, hole-in-the-wall bakeries are heaving with customers buying wonderful fresh bread. It must have been 45 degrees here, and the fresh bread is scolding hot too, yet nothing would stop these men in Kermanshah bringing home piles of crispy bread for an Iranian feast. Photograph: James Lidgett
Been there gallery Dec 11: Misteri di Trapani, Sicily
Charlotte Hickmott: Trapani on the western tip of Sicily is home to Italy’s biggest Good Friday procession. For almost 24 hours from Good Friday into Holy Saturday, the streets are transformed by the Misteri di Trapani parade as baroque statues depicting biblical scenes are carried through the streets. Photograph: Charlotte Hickmott
Been there gallery Dec 11:  N Seoul Tower, lovers' locks
Melanie Barrow, runner-up: This photo was taken at N Seoul Tower which overlooks the South Korean capital. It is said that if two partners lock their love together along the towers fence line, and throw away the key, it will seal their love forever.

Natalie Mayer, judge: This is a simple image but very striking. It could have benefited from just a little more info from the paper sign that the photographer chose to focus on, so that we could figure out what it was all about a little easier. As it is, there is some info, but not enough, and this makes the image ultimately unsatisfying.
Photograph: Melanie Barrow
Been there gallery Dec 11: Bullfight, Thailand
Slawek Kozdras, runner-up: A traditional bullfight on Koh Samui, Thailand. It looks dangerous at times, but the fight rarely ends in a bull being injured. The fight I watched lasted for about 15 minutes, of which 14 were a mix of dance and chess, the bulls trying to figure out their opponent. This powerful clash lasted only a few seconds after which one of them conceded and ran away. I liked how the bulls are shrouded in the dust and how you can see the spectators observing the fight. Owners of winning bulls are not only handsomely rewarded but also held in high esteem by the locals.

Natalie Mayer, judge: Nicely captured action, but there is a problem with the people in the background. We need more faces, to see the reactions, add life to the shot and justify the inclusion of the bodies. Alternatively, a crop so that we only see bull action very tightly. As it is, it's a bit in between and the eye doesn't quite know where to settle.
Photograph: Slawek Kozdras
Been there gallery Dec 11: Vietnamese woman
Kerry Grainger, winner: An elderly Vietnamese woman in Hoi An whose teeth are blackened by chewing betel – a combination of betel vine leaves, slivers of areca palm nut and a bit of lime paste, all wrapped up in a whole betel leaf – fits in the pouch of the cheek. It tastes as bad as it looks.

Natalie Mayer, judge: Lovely expression, beautifully captured. The subject looks really relaxed and unaware of the camera, and the depth of field is perfect for this kind of portraiture, having blurred out all distractions in the background. And although many of us might find the black teeth a bit yucky, there is no denying it captures the theme of ritual. Lovely shot!
Photograph: Kerry Grainger
 

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