„Sacrificiul” – ca mesaj sacru în limbajul arhetipal
“Sacrifice” – As a Sacred Message in the Archetypal Language

Summary/Abstract: Sacrifice is a means of communication with the sacred. Sometimes it is a form of religious manifestation, performed after a ritual. The individual who resorts to sacrifice – understood as a „gift” – consecrates to the sacred something that belonged to him and which he gives up in exchange for some favors: from material advantages, to virtue, exemption from punishment, or protection. Sacrifice was for the ancients, a „fundamental institution” by offering human lives, animals, birds, personal goods: food, symbolic objects, oils, or precious metals. The consecration of food offerings is based on the principle of giving a Part to acquire and protect the Whole – the first harvested ears of grain, the first fruits picked, parts of the animal are intended for the Gods, or for occult forces, capable of ensuring the richness of the harvest, or the success of the next hunt, as well as the health of the family. One such form of sacrifice is asceticism: a ritual of purification by giving up a pleasure or material good in favor of some spiritual qualities. Asceticism and Fasting are forms of sacrifice still practiced today. Another ancient form of sacrifice is self-mutilation or torture to pay in advance for the goodwill of the gods. The supreme sacrifice is for the defense of the Country, the community, the family, considered sacred, as well as of some ideologies or beliefs.

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