demon or evil spirit
demonic various races single tradition · 1
Demons or evil spirits are regarded as alive impurities that alight on and pass into persons and things exposed to contamination from sources such as the dead, childbirth, menstruous women, murder, bloodshed, inferior caste, dead animal refuse, leprosy, madness, and disease. Ablution rituals aim to wash away these unseen stains, restoring ceremonial purity. In various traditions, water, cows’ urine, or swine’s blood are used to carry the malign influence out of the body.
When
- First attested
- 300 CE
- Attested period
- 300 – 400
- Historical notes
- The text links demon or evil spirits to ablution purity beliefs attested by a 4th-century Christian pilgrim's avoidance of washing.
Relationships
- co occurs with
- Attis
Mentioned by
Sources
encyclopedia (1)
- peer reviewed
Source passages
“In a later stage the taint is regarded as alive, as a demon or evil spirit alighting on and passing into the things and persons exposed to contamination.”
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