Circumcision is not just a medical term. It is also a centuries-old tradition that arose several thousand years ago. And to this day, the removal of the foreskin in men is an important event, a ritual in some nations. So what is circumcision? This topic will be considered in the article.
What is circumcision? A bit of history
Circumcision, or circumcision, is a rather important ritual. The first written mention of such a rite dates back to 2300 BC. It was precisely this time that the painting on the wall of one of the ancient Egyptian tombs dates to which this process is depicted. The same tradition was followed by the Phoenicians and some other nations. Here, a similar ritual meant the boy’s entry into adulthood and testified that he was allowed to marry.
It's no secret that circumcision is an integral part of Jewish culture. After all, the biblical texts very clearly say that every man belonging to the “chosen people” should be circumcised. The uncircumcised are considered to be Gentiles, not at all worthy of turning to God.
Muslim circumcision is also a fairly old tradition. Here this procedure is carried out for religious purposes. Thus, a man makes it clear that he follows the ideals of personal hygiene and cleanliness that were once established by the Prophet himself.
By the way, this procedure was also practiced among the Indian tribes in Central America. In addition, this tradition is common among African peoples. This ritual meant rebirth from a boy to a man. Interestingly, some representatives of African tribes carry the cut off foreskin with them in a small bag.
Over time, this practice has spread throughout Europe. But here she had not so much religious as medical grounds and was carried out for hygiene purposes.
What is circumcision, how and when is it performed?
In fact, the timing of implementation is different for different cultures. For example, in the ancient Egyptians circumcision was carried out in the 14th year of the boy's life and was a kind of recognition of his puberty. In Muslim nations, boys undergo a procedure from the age of 7 to 10 years, because it is then that the child can already pray independently. Although circumcision can be performed at any other time.
And circumcision is carried out among Jews, as a rule, on the eighth day after the birth of a child. There are many explanations why you need to wait exactly 8 days. In any case, during this time the child and his mother are quite recovering from childbirth. By the way, if the baby is too weak or unhealthy, the ritual can be postponed.
Circumcision should be done during the day, and best of all, after morning prayer. At one time, the ritual was carried out exclusively in the synagogue, but today the procedure can be carried out at home, but in the presence of 13 adult Jewish men. It is worth noting that circumcision is a real holiday, a great event for the whole family.
In any case, the procedure can be performed at any age at which a person will accept the faith.
What is medical circumcision?
As for the opinion of doctors about mass circumcisions on religious or social beliefs, they are very ambiguous. Some experts believe that this reduces the risk of developing penile cancer or reduces the likelihood of catching an infectious sexually transmitted disease. In any case, with normal functioning of the body, circumcision is not necessary.
Nevertheless, there are a number of diseases and disorders in the development of the reproductive system, during which circumcision is performed for medical reasons and is an essential part of treatment. For example, phimosis, which is accompanied by a narrowing of the foreskin, is considered a fairly common disease. Male circumcision is also part of balanitis treatment.