What Is Exorcism? [Interesting And Creepy Facts You Should Know]
Exorcism is a term that everyone has heard of. The majority of us were probably introduced to it through a Hollywood horror film. However, you may wonder how much you really know about the exorcism ritual. Some people believe that being possessed by an evil spirit is simply a psychological or mental problem.
Others, however, believe that it is possible for a spirit, or a demon, to possess a human body against their will. Even to this day, the Catholic Church believes that humans can be possessed by demons. Let’s take a closer look at what is exorcism and some of the interesting and creepy facts you probably did not know about Exorcism.
All About Exorcism
Exorcism | National Geographic
Exorcism is thought to have originated in ancient Greece. One of the first obvious mentions is in a story about two boys named Epicurus and Aeschines who were outcasts because of their mother's 'dishonorable practices' – a so-called witch who could perform exorcisms. The term "exorcism" is derived from the Greek word "exorkismos," which means "binding by oath."
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Exorcism techniques vary across cultures and are nearly limitless in their variety. Other strategies have included simply asking the spirit what it wants and appeasing it, transferring the spirit into a stone or an animal that is then destroyed, having the patient consume blessed substances such as holy water or sacred writings, or even sending for someone possessed by a more powerful spirit who can scare the other spirit away.
Exorcism's most dangerous forms involve making the patient so uncomfortable that the spirit no longer wishes to inhabit their body. Beating the patient, fumigating them with noxious substances, burning them, or immersing them in water are all examples of such strategies. Unfortunately, there are numerous examples of would-be exorcists who have killed their patients using these methods; those killed in this manner are almost always children or young women.
What Happens During An Exorcism?
Exorcisms usually take a predictable path. The apparent victim's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, even violent until the exorcist casts out the demonic spirit. People who are "possessed" may become violently ill or harm themselves. While these behaviors may appear shocking, they are easily explained.
The ritual of Catholic exorcism has its origins in the Bible, where the New Testament describes Jesus healing the sick by casting out demons. One of the church's tenets is the belief in the devil. According to the religion, Jesus gave his apostles and the church the power to cast out evil spirits in his name.
Minor and major exorcism rituals exist. A minor one is performed by a priest prior to baptism and asks God to cleanse the person of original sin. The major exorcism is carried out by the priest designated by his bishop as the official exorcist in the diocese or district under the bishop's jurisdiction.
Exorcism techniques vary across cultures and are nearly limitless in their variety. Other strategies have included simply asking the spirit what it wants and appeasing it, transferring the spirit into a stone or an animal that is then destroyed, having the patient consume blessed substances such as holy water or sacred writings, or even sending for someone possessed by a more powerful spirit who can scare the other spirit away.
Exorcism's most dangerous forms involve making the patient so uncomfortable that the spirit no longer wishes to inhabit their body. Beating the patient, fumigating them with noxious substances, burning them, or immersing them in water are all examples of such strategies. Unfortunately, there are numerous examples of would-be exorcists who have killed their patients using these methods; those killed in this manner are almost always children or young women.
Interesting And Creepy Facts You Probably Did Not Know About Exorcism
These are some Exorcism facts you probably didn't know. Warning: These may frighten you, so make sure to turn on the lights before reading.
A Lady Possessed By Six Demons
Anneliese Michel was a German Catholic woman who was said to be possessed by six or more demons and who later underwent a ten-month-long voluntary exorcism in 1975. She died the following year as a result of a lack of medical care. The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Requiem are two films loosely based on Anneliese's story, which is arguably the most famous exorcism case of the twentieth century.
Mother Theresa
Few people taught of Mother Teresa as holy, so it may come as a surprise to learn that an exorcism was performed on her in the later years of her life at the request of the Archbishop of Calcutta, Henry D'Souza. He stated that he had noticed Mother Teresa becoming more agitated in her sleep. This is an indication of possible demonic possession, and he began to worry that the woman was being attacked by the devil himself.
Exorcisms Do Not Take Long
Exorcisms are portrayed in movies as a long and drawn-out process. Despite the fact that it is frequently necessary to repeat the ritual for days on end, the ritual itself is actually quite short. It only lasts an hour.
Demonomania
Most religious circles are probably unaware of a type of mania known as demonomania or demonopathy, in which the patient believes he or she is possessed by one or more demons. Some attribute the illusion that exorcism works on people experiencing possession symptoms to the placebo effect and the power of suggestion. Some cases indicate that allegedly possessed people are actually narcissists or have low self-esteem and act demonically possessed to gain attention.
Autism Tragedy
In terms of autism, in 2003, an autistic eight-year-old boy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was killed during an exorcism by church members who blamed his disability on an invading demon.
Demonic Possession
According to psychiatry, the symptoms attributed to the possessed (the patient) are associated with physical or mental illnesses such as hysteria, mania, psychosis, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, and schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, or even rare cases of autism.
Exorcism Is AWorldwide Phenomenon
Exorcism of demons from individuals is not limited to Roman Catholicism or the Western world. Every major religion performs it all over the world. Exorcism is practiced differently in Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism.
Exorcism Can Be Deadly
Even though the concept of exorcism appears to be widely accepted, one must proceed with caution when attempting to perform one. Depending on where you are in the world, you could even bring up the possibility. There have been numerous reports of amateur exorcisms being performed all over the world, with severe injuries and, in the worst cases, death.
Conclusion
Anyone can be possessed by an evil spirit. Possession has been reported in even the most religious and prayerful people. As a result, it is critical for us to be aware of what is Exorcism. I hope this article Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Exorcism helps you learn more about the truth behind exorcism.
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