Stigmata are physical manifestations of the wounds suffered by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. They can appear as wounds, marks or pain and are often associated with Catholicism. The cause of stigmata is debated, with some cases being self-inflicted or psychosomatic.
The stigmata are manifestations on a living person of the five Holy Plagues suffered by Jesus Christ during the crucifixion. A case of stigmata can involve one to all five wounds, or other injuries associated with crucifixion, and can manifest as physical wounds, marks, or simply pain. The word stigmata in Latin means “signs” and is taken from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians.
Stigmata are often associated with the Catholic Church, where they were historically considered signs of holiness. Many reported cases of stigmata have affected Catholics, usually women. Cases of stigmata are sometimes an isolated incident and sometimes recur throughout the life of the stigmatized. The first and most famous case of the stigmata struck St. Francis of Assisi in 1224, and many cases appeared throughout the Middle Ages and up to the present day, including some saints. Interestingly, many cases of stigmata among non-Catholics and even non-religious people have recently been reported.
The five Holy Wounds of Jesus Christ are nail wounds in the hands and feet and a pierced side. The stigmata can also involve wounds reminiscent of those from the Crown of Thorns or from the beatings suffered by Jesus. In addition to appearing spontaneously, stigmata can have other mystical qualities, such as an inability to clot or a sweet, floral scent. Cases of stigmata are inconsistent: nail wounds have been known to appear in the hands or wrists, and the right or left side of a stigma may show the piercing wound.
While the stigmata phenomenon is well documented, there is debate as to what causes it. At least some cases are certainly self-inflicted, and some stigmatized have confessed to faking their condition. Stigmata that are not false may be caused by a psychosomatic condition, in which the affected person identifies with Christ and the crucifixion so deeply that they develop sympathetic wounds. To express the latter idea in a less religious way, the stigmatized may think about the existence of their wounds through desire or unconsciously through the power of suggestion.
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