We may not all bleed the same color but we bleed all the same.— Ryza Chavosi, Journal No. 1
The History of Blood
While recent - perhaps ethically questionable - studies from the biology department at
Jamaira have shown how blood moves through the body and that it isn't gained by consumption, there is a long history across
Breharan of unscientific thinking and spiritual significance of the life-giving substance.
It has always been known that blood is crucial to life, no culture has been immune to death, least of all from blood loss. In some situations deaths involving blood have caused changes in the cultural view of it, the
Red Lung being a prime example that occurred in
Bral where people still fear the blood of the sick or infirm. Despite its importance there is still very little known about the all-important liquid.
Blood Across Breharan
As part of the
Fahraean Rite of Returning, they travel to the edge of
Breharan and dump soil from their home into the skies below. In the past it was common to make an offering of blood in addition to soil and some young people have begun to add blood to their offering to the
Lifemother one more.
Beyond spiritual importance, it has wider cultural importance. It is common for cultures to have saying about spilled blood related to heroes, hard work, and sacrifice.
Apart from injury, the most common occurrence of blood in life is menstruation in
humans. This has led to cultural practices over the course of history that vary from accommodating to abusive. While the current trend is towards aiding those who are menstruating, there are a few places on
Breharan where isolation is a common response.
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