Tens of thousands of Buddhists pray for peace and prosperity during the consecration of the world's biggest Buddha statue in Luoyang city, Central China's Henan province, Sept 29, 2008. Often practiced in ceremonies involving Buddhism and Taoism, consecration is a religious rite which empowers statues of Gods with divine powers. As believers seek further blessings they consecrate other items such as cars, hotels, buildings and marriage certificates, making such dedication the latest trend among Chinese people. [Photo/CFP]