History of circumcision: Difference between revisions

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== Historical background ==

The [[amputation]] of the [[foreskin]] is a very old ritual, whose exact origin cannot be verified beyond doubt. Circumcision is believed to have originated in east Africa near the Red Sea well before the dawn of recorded history.<ref name="demeo1997">{{REFbook

The [[amputation]] of the [[foreskin]] is a very old ritual, whose exact origin cannot be verified beyond doubt. [[Circumcision]] is believed to have originated in east Africa near the Red Sea well before the dawn of recorded history.<ref name="demeo1997">{{REFbook

|last=DeMeo

|first=

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}}</ref> is an Egyptian tomb relief from the 6th dynasty, approximately 2300-2000 BC. It is not known precisely who was circumcised and why in those times.

In many cultures circumcision during puberty serves as a rite of passage, bringing adolescents into the community. As with other painful or humiliating initiation rites, proof of courage and mastering of critical situations are the key motivations. From some African tribes it is also known that the [[amputation]] of the [[foreskin]] is seen as the removal of an inborn piece of femininity from the boys, thus making them men.

In many cultures circumcision during [[puberty]] serves as a rite of passage, bringing adolescents into the community. As with other painful or humiliating initiation rites, proof of courage and mastering of critical situations are the key motivations. From some African tribes it is also known that the [[amputation]] of the [[foreskin]] is seen as the removal of an inborn piece of femininity from the boys, thus making them men.

===Judaism===

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 == Historical background ==
-The [[amputation]] of the [[foreskin]] is a very old ritual, whose exact origin cannot be verified beyond doubt. Circumcision is believed to have originated in east Africa near the Red Sea well before the dawn of recorded history.<ref name="demeo1997">{{REFbook
+The [[amputation]] of the [[foreskin]] is a very old ritual, whose exact origin cannot be verified beyond doubt. [[Circumcision]] is believed to have originated in east Africa near the Red Sea well before the dawn of recorded history.<ref name="demeo1997">{{REFbook
   |last=DeMeo
   |first=
@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 }}</ref> is an Egyptian tomb relief from the 6th dynasty, approximately 2300-2000 BC. It is not known precisely who was circumcised and why in those times.
-In many cultures circumcision during puberty serves as a rite of passage, bringing adolescents into the community. As with other painful or humiliating initiation rites, proof of courage and mastering of critical situations are the key motivations. From some African tribes it is also known that the [[amputation]] of the [[foreskin]] is seen as the removal of an inborn piece of femininity from the boys, thus making them men.
+In many cultures circumcision during [[puberty]] serves as a rite of passage, bringing adolescents into the community. As with other painful or humiliating initiation rites, proof of courage and mastering of critical situations are the key motivations. From some African tribes it is also known that the [[amputation]] of the [[foreskin]] is seen as the removal of an inborn piece of femininity from the boys, thus making them men.
 ===Judaism===