Sacrifice

About

Sacrifice refers to an act or offering made to a deity. Such offerings can serve as propitiation or as an expression of praise and thanksgiving. Evidence of ritual animal sacrifice dates back at least to ancient Hebrews and Greeks, though it may have existed before these civilizations. Ritual human sacrifice has also been documented in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations as well as in European societies. Throughout history and into the present day, numerous religions continue to practice various forms of ritual non-human sacrifices.