Circumcision

(-sīzh'ŭn.) [FromL. circumcido, I cut round.] A sacramental rite in the Jewish religion, and the symbol of the national covenant of Israel with God, performed by cutting off the prepuce or foreskin. The time for performing this rite, according to the Judaical law, was the eighth day, that is, 6 full days after the child was born. C. was practised very generally in ancient times by the Eastern nations; but not perhaps as a religious ceremony. C. is still practised by (besides the Jews) Mohammedan nations, though the Koran does not enjoin it. It prevails also elsewhere. Thus the Aby in i an Christians perform the rite on both sexes; and the disuse of it as recommended by some mi ionaries is said to have produced physical inconveniences. C. (Feast of.) A festival in the Roman Catholic Church, to commemorate the circumcision of our Saviour. It is held on the 1st January, being the eighth day of Christmas. [s. 191]