CHILD SACRIFICE Meaning and
Definition
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Child sacrifice refers to the ancient and abhorrent practice of offering children as sacrifices, typically for religious or ritual purposes. This act involves intentionally causing the death of a child, either as a form of appeasement to supernatural forces or as a way to gain favor or blessings. Child sacrifice has been documented in various cultures and civilizations throughout history, although it is largely considered a rare and extreme practice in contemporary times.
The process of child sacrifice often involves elaborate ceremonies and rituals. Children, usually chosen based on specific criteria such as age, purity, or physical attributes, are ritually killed in a variety of ways, ranging from drowning, burning, or being buried alive to more grotesque methods like dismemberment or decapitation. In some instances, children have been offered as sacrifices in hopes of achieving prosperity, victory in warfare, or to prevent natural disasters.
Child sacrifice has historically been associated with primitive and ancient cultures, such as the Aztecs, Mayans, Carthaginians, and certain African tribes, but it is vital to emphasize that these practices are not representative of all cultures or religions. Many religious and ethical systems explicitly condemn child sacrifice, considering it a grave violation of human rights and a morally reprehensible act.
Modern societies, bound by various legal and ethical frameworks that prioritize the protection and welfare of children, overwhelmingly reject child sacrifice. International conventions and laws exist to safeguard children and prohibit any act that poses a threat to their lives, health, or well-being.
Etymology of CHILD SACRIFICE
The word "child sacrifice" does not have a specific etymology itself, as it is composed of two separate words.
1. Child: The word "child" comes from the Old English word "cild", which originally meant "fetus" as well as "infant". The term evolved over time to specifically refer to a young human being before reaching adulthood.
2. Sacrifice: The word "sacrifice" has Latin roots and comes from the Latin verb "sacrificare", which is a combination of "sacer" meaning "holy" or "sacred", and "facere" meaning "to make" or "to do". It originally referred to the act of making something sacred or offering it to a deity.
When combined, "child sacrifice" refers to the act of offering or sacrificing a child in a religious or ritualistic context, which has historical instances in various cultures throughout history.
