Seppuku

Seppuku (also known as harakiri) is a form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment. It was originally reserved for samurai in their code of honor but was also practiced by other Japanese people later on to restore honor to their families.

History

Seppuku was used by samurai to die with honor rather than fall into the hands of their enemies, and to attenuate any dishonor to their family. A samurai practice, seppuku was used either voluntarily by samurai to die with honor rather than fall into the hands of their enemies (and likely suffer torture), or as a form of capital punishment for samurai who had committed serious offenses, or performed because they had brought shame to themselves.

Ritual

The ceremonial disembowelment, which is usually part of a more elaborate ritual and performed in front of spectators, consists of plunging a short blade, traditionally a tanto, into the belly and drawing the blade from left to right, slicing the belly open. If the cut is deep enough, it can sever the descending aorta, causing a rapid death by blood loss.

Cultural Impact

Seppuku has had a significant impact on Japanese culture and it is referenced in various forms of media including films, anime, and literature. It is often depicted as a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice for personal honor or the honor of one's family or country.

See Also

• Bushido
• Samurai
• Japanese culture

References

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External Links

• Britannica Article on Seppuku
• Ancient History Encyclopedia on Seppuku

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