Cannibalism
Cannibalism is a dietary practice amongst living creatures who sustain themselves by consuming the flesh, blood or internal organs of members of its own species. The practice is generally frowned upon in most civilized societies. Those who engage in acts of cannibalism are referred to as cannibals. The practice of cannibalism is believed to have originated within ancient tribal communities in South America. The reasons behind cannibalism may vary. Some engage in it out of a sense of spiritual enlightenment, believing that by consuming the flesh of another human being, they in fact, absorb part of their spirit. This aspect of cannibalism can be found in some religious doctrines, including the Christian tradition of communion, in which the communion wafer is meant to symbolize the body of Jesus Christ. Cannibalism is a popular storytelling trope in many horror venues and has been popularized in several "grindhouse" films of the 1970s including The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Cannibal Ferox and Cannibal Apocalypse.
(See Also: Known cannibals; Cannibalism in media|)
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