Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Humanities/2017 February 19

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February 19

Spitting alcohol into someone's face (religion)

I was just reading a section of a book (Apocalypse 2012 - Lawrence E. Joseph) in which two US Americans went to Guatemala and got involved in a Mayan religious ceremony. At one point, the high priest took a gulp of rum and spat it in their faces. I've seen this before somewhere in films too, although perhaps in fiction or from other areas/religions. What is it called when a priest spits alcohol into someone's face in the course of a religious event, and who (which ethnicities/religions) does it? Thanks, --ZygonLieutenant (talk) 00:01, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Spirits And Spirituality: Alcohol In Caribbean Slave Societies The Akan poured libations and made alcohol offerings to ancestors, spirits, and deities before most undertakings. If the participants had "fetishes" tied to their arms and feet, they would spit the first mouthful of palm wine on them. Failing to do so risked the possibility that they would not be allowed to drink together in peace. Blooteuth (talk) 00:35, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Spitting alcohol in someone's eyes can be very dangerous to eyesight, so I'd be surprised if this was a normal practice? Eliyohub (talk) 17:15, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

That would depend on the concentration and amount that enters the eyes. The reaction to close eyes, when you see something headed for them, would minimize exposure. StuRat (talk) 20:07, 19 February 2017 (UTC)