Snake handling in Christianity is a rite performed in several churches in the United States. Originating in rural
Appalachia, the first instance of snake handling was seen about 1910.
Pentecostal minister
George Went Hensley was prominent in the early development of the rite. Practitioners commonly quote the
gospels of Luke and
Mark to support the practice. Practitioners are also encouraged to
lay hands on the sick,
speak in tongues, and occasionally drink poisons. This photograph, taken by the American photographer
Russell Lee in 1946, depicts snake handling at the Church of God with Signs Following, a Pentecostal church in
Lejunior, Kentucky.Photograph credit:
Russell Lee; restored by
Adam Cuerden
Snake handling in Christianity is a rite performed in several churches in the United States. Originating in rural
Appalachia, the first instance of snake handling was seen about 1910.
Pentecostal minister
George Went Hensley was prominent in the early development of the rite. Practitioners commonly quote the
gospels of Luke and
Mark to support the practice. Practitioners are also encouraged to
lay hands on the sick,
speak in tongues, and occasionally drink poisons. This photograph, taken by the American photographer
Russell Lee in 1946, depicts snake handling at the Church of God with Signs Following, a Pentecostal church in
Lejunior, Kentucky.Photograph credit:
Russell Lee; restored by
Adam Cuerden