Yes, ritual sacrifice.
Even in Islam, halal ka concept ye hi hai.. yu supposed to rear and give it love, and develop feelings for the poor thing.. before you kill it.
Philosophically, impermanence waala hard lesson, exam practicals... that's the idea behind it.
Irl, however.. its a matter of show and pomp.. the 'ritual' has long since lost its meaning.
religion khatam hai, ghanta kisi ke dil me bhakti bhaav hai aaj ki date me.. sab dhongi madrchod.
Bull-slaying in ancient Persia is primarily linked to the pre-Zoroastrian religion of Mithraism, where it was central to the tauroctony myth, a depiction of the god Mithras sacrificing a bull to bring life-giving forces to the world. This ritual and symbolism later spread to the Roman Empire, where it was a key image in underground sanctuaries called Mithraea. The act signifies the transformation of life and the triumph of the spirit, with the bull's blood bringing forth wheat, wine, and the growth of herbs.
Mithraic Bull Sacrifice
The Symbolism:
The bull in Mithraism symbolized masculinity, strength, lunar and earthly forces, and fertility. Its slaying represented the creation of life and the cosmic renewal that sustained the world.
Origin:
This ceremony was likely a remnant of old Iranian paganism, pre-dating Zoroastrianism, which is suggested by Zarathustra's rejection of such sacrifices.
Roman Impact:
The cult of Mithras, with the bull-slaying image as its central symbol, became popular among soldiers in the Roman Empire, who identified with Mithras's victory.
Astronomical and Cosmic Significance:
The tauroctony also had astronomical connections, with the Sun god (often identified with Mithras) positioned in the Scorpio constellation while the bull is in Taurus.
Mithras and the Bull's Death
The Act:
In the tauroctony myth, the god Mithras holds the bull by the muzzle and stabs it behind the shoulder with a short sword.
The Result:
From the bull's spilled blood and body emerged wheat, wine, and the growth of useful herbs and plants.
The Snake:
The Indian-Persian god of evil, Ahriman, sends a snake to lick the blood and prevent the birth of the grape plant, but fails.
Cultural and Ritual Significance
Fertility and Abundance:
The bull's blood represented generative power, symbolizing the fertility and abundance necessary for life to flourish.
Salvation:
The act of Mithras slaying the bull was seen as a salvation for mankind, with soldiers who shed their blood for the Roman Empire identifying with Mithras.
Cycle of Life and Rebirth:
The myth highlighted themes of divine kingship, the sanctity of life, and the inescapable eternal cycle of death and rebirth that ordered the universe.
General
