Blood Fetishism 101

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The ancient Maya Civilization said to be perceived blood as a substance processes powerful and magical properties. The Mayan gods were believed to be nourished by human blood, and ritual human sacrifice and bloodletting were regarded as the only means of making contact with gods. Consequently, the Maya believed that if they neglected these rituals, cosmic disorder and chaos would occur. In today, similar beliefs still prevail in some society and cultures often in rather deformed manners or a form of fetishism. As such, in these forthcoming posts, I would like to explore further on those particular individuals’ interest in blood as well the curious cases of related incidents and art forms in the history.

Blood fetishism, also known as Hematolagnia is a fetishism revolves around human’s excessive attention or attachment to blood. In that sense, blood fetishists habitually show compulsive sexual interests for blood. The topic has gained wider exposures in recent years from the popularity of novels, films and TV-shows such as American Psycho, Dexter, and numerous vampire related works.

As it may be already obvious, Blood fetishists may simply be aroused by the sight of blood, more precisely on nude or semi-nude individuals, from accidental or intentional cuts or wounds and via blood donation. Licking or drinking blood through bloodletting by using razor blades and biting said to be the prominent methods to achieve premium arousal and satisfaction. In that sense, the blood fetishistic activities generally involve pain, physical restraint and servitude, however, often their participants are engaged in it with their partners on the mutual consent and typically for mutual enjoyment. Some may even exercise this ritual to seek intimacy or bonding with others. Among many alternatives, BDSM play (stands for; Bondage and Discipline, Domination and Submission, Sadism and Masochism) involving blood is said to be one of the most well-liked means of achieving high-quality pleasure. Additionally, Menstrual fetishists also known as Red Wings is an additional variety of blood fetishists whose main focus is on menstruating women.

The vampire subculture is frequently associated with blood fetishism due to its blood-driven practices, though some may strictly disagree to this idea. The subculture is based on the modern perception of vampires in popular culture, which has largely stemmed from the Goth subculture and also incorporates some elements of the sadomasochism. There are notable communities centered around this subculture through out the world and some supporters enjoy adopting this lifestyle on casual level; dress in black, filing teeth to make fangs, breaching skin white, sleeping in coffins, consume tomato soup and energy drinks designed to look like blood and fantasizing about vampire lovers. On the other hand, some devoted supporters experiment with bloodletting, blood consumption, severe self-mutilation and sometimes assault and even homicide.

Continued on next post.