The Yaxchilan lintels, murals...
Illustration
The Yaxchilan lintels, murals made by the Mayas in A.D. 725, depict the gruesome scene of a bloodletting rite that took place on October 28, 709. The Mayas believed that for victory in battle, the ruler and his wife must shed blood. On lintel No. 24 the ruler, Shield Jaguar, stands with a torch in his hands; while his wife, Lady Xoc — richly dressed — kneels at his feet, pulling a thorned rope through her tongue.
Scientists today believe that the purpose behind the bloodletting was to induce hallucination. We know that in response to trauma or large-scale blood loss, the body can produce endorphins or enkephalins, which are chemically related to opiates and might be capable of producing the desired hallucinogenic experience.
Many ancient peoples practiced bloodletting to gain the favor of the gods. Sometimes the blood was that of an enemy captured in battle. Other times it might be the firstborn child. Often it was the person's own blood or the blood of that person's animals: sheep, doves, bulls.
In Christ, the blood was shed that ended the need for any more shedding. No more goats and bulls need shed blood. No more bloody sacrifice needed. The once-and-for-all sacrifice of God's own Son secured the salvation desired by all human beings.
-- Fakes
