Shi’ite Muslim children among the religious followers taking part in... bloodletting ceremonies

[trotsky]

Title shortened for subject line. Full title:
Shi’ite Muslim children among the religious followers taking part in these bizarre bloodletting ceremonies

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/shiite-muslim-children-among-the-religious-followers-taking-part-in-these-bizarre-bloodletting-ceremonies/news-story/ab2fc20f2cafeb18ec8e2ae6ba0cf711

WARNING: Graphic images

Muslims around the world are taking part in the unusual ceremony to mark the religious day of Ashura which commemorates the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussein.

These incredible pictures show small children having their heads sliced open as part of the ritual.

...

Hussein was killed during the 7th century Battle of Karbala in modern-day Iraq.

The death led to the current division between Shia and Sunni Muslims, who mark the event through fasting.

[dhol82]

1. I remember watching a large group of men

In Mahshad, Iran doing a kind of dance while chanting and flogging their backs.
Pretty sure it was the same holiday.
Interesting.

[Ron Obvious]

2. There are many times that I thank God I'm an atheist

This is one of those times.

[Lordquinton]

3. At least Catholics only symbolically drink blood

And they usually make the wee ones wait until they are older.

[trotsky]

4. It's very telling how no one has attempted to blame something other than religion for this. n/t

[Iggo]

5. Nope. That's real blood. It just looks like wine.

TRANSUBSTANTIATION: the miraculous change by which according to Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox dogma the eucharistic elements at their consecration become the body and blood of Christ while keeping only the appearances of bread and wine.

It's the real deal, man.

[Lordquinton]

6. This is a theological issue that science has solidly stomped on

Just Google "is the body of Christ gluten free?" And enjoy the spin.

[Iggo]

7. Pffft. Science.

[Lordquinton]

8. I know, what has it ever done for us?

Never mind religion being completely incapable of affecting the world in any manner whatsoever, according to what I've read here.