A sign which reads "dopen" (baptizing) is seen during a baptising ceremony for Mandaen followers at the Lek River near Houten May 20, 2013. May 20 is a holy day for the Mandaeans all over the world as followers cleanse themselves by being baptised in a river of choice. The Mandaeans, also known as the Sabeans, are a monotheistic and pacifistic religious community who are recognized as followers of John the Baptist. The Mandaeans, which once numbered about 30,000 and lived mostly in southern Iraq, have fled all over the world due to religious persecution. REUTERS/Michael Kooren (NETHERLANDS - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY)