Signs You Probably Wouldn’t Find Anywhere But Burning Man
No Shirtcocks
Shirtcocking is when a man wears a shirt without pants or underwear, exposing the area below the waistline. Although full nudity is encouraged at Burning Man, this practice is frowned upon.
Berty was “investigating recent transtemporal disturbances in the Black Rock Desert” when he “unexpectedly went offline.” It's sometimes unclear whether signs around camp are intended seriously. Nonetheless we hope this poor little robot (real or imagined) made his way home.
Photograph by Sam Wolson for CREDIT: Slate.
Tourists Are Not Permitted Beyond This Point
The word “tourist” at Burning Man refers to people who watch, but don’t participate.
Photograph by Sam Wolson for CREDIT: Slate.
Turn In Art Vandals
Burning Man is filled with public art, which occasionally gets vandalized. Rangers throughout the festival strive to prevent vandalism.
Photograph by Sam Wolson for CREDIT: Slate.
Bunny Oath
Dozens of people dressed as bunnies parade through the streets during the Billion Bunny March, supporting a “universal campaign of fluffy goodness and jellybeans for all.”
Photograph by Sam Wolson for CREDIT: Slate.
Loss of Virginity
A movie theater in the desert offers entertainment in the middle of the night.
Photograph by Sam Wolson for CREDIT: Slate.
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies
A box in the middle of the desert next to a paper unicorn informs Burners that the treats inside contain "Theobromin” and that novices should start with half.
Photograph by Sam Wolson for CREDIT: Slate.
I’m MOOP
This man declares himself MOOP, or “matter out of place,” the phrase used at Burning Man to refer to litter. Burners generally embrace a “leave no trace” policy, and MOOP is consequently rare.
Photograph by Sam Wolson for CREDIT: Slate.
Playa Sweet Playa
The area of desert where Burning Man takes place is often referred to as the Playa (the Spanish word for beach), given the resemblance of the area to a sandy (waterless) beach. Here a nostalgic sign hangs in an art car, fashioned to look like an Old West bar.
Photograph by Sam Wolson for CREDIT: Slate.
Another Only-at-Burning-Man Moment
Throughout camp, there are stations devoted to hygiene. This station offers the services of "heiny hygienists."
Photograph by Sam Wolson for CREDIT: Slate.
Change Your Diaper
Some people bring babies to Burning Man. It’s not beyond imagination that some adults also wear diapers.
