Stigmata

 Stigmata are blotches, sores, or scars that duplicate the wounds inflicted on Jesus during his trial and crucifixion. They are usually located on the hands and feet, near the heart, and sometimes on the head, shoulders and back. Many Christians believe that they appear spontaneously, and are a supernatural sign of holiness. But there is evidence that some of them are self-inflicted.

Saint Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226, may have been the first person to exhibit stigmata. But hundreds of cases have been reported in the centuries since his death. These cases usually involve mystics or very devout people who have a close communion with God. Many of these people believe that they are mystically participating in the sufferings of Christ.

Some stigmata appear for only a short time and then quickly disappear, whereas others may persist for many years. According to some reports, they can be luminous and may produce a sweet scent. Some are perfectly round, as if produced by a nail, and some are shaped like a cross.

Islamic ascetics can also exhibit stigmata. In this case the sores or marks match the wounds suffered by Mohammed during his fight to spread the message of Islam.

Stigmata don't always appear spontaneously. In some cases people have painted the marks onto their skin, or have secretly wounded themselves to cause temporary bleeding. In fact some scientists suspect that all stigmata are produced artificially.