Kättelõike

Kättelõike is an Estonian term that translates to "hand cut" or "hand severance." It refers to the act of cutting off one's hand, typically as a form of self-mutilation. This practice has historically been documented in various cultures as a means of avoiding military service, escaping punishment, or as a religious sacrifice.

In some historical contexts, kättelõike was employed by individuals seeking to be exempted from conscription. By deliberately injuring themselves in a way that rendered them permanently disabled for combat, they could avoid being sent to war. Similarly, it could be a drastic measure to evade severe legal penalties or imprisonment.

The motivations behind kättelõike were often rooted in extreme desperation or deeply held beliefs. In certain religious traditions, self-inflicted injury, including the severing of a limb, might have been seen as an act of devotion or atonement. The act itself was inherently brutal and carried significant risks of infection, uncontrolled bleeding, and permanent disability or death.

While not a widespread or common practice, instances of kättelõike have been recorded in historical accounts and anthropological studies. It represents a stark example of the extreme measures individuals might resort to in dire circumstances. Modern medical understanding and societal norms have largely rendered such practices obsolete and dangerous.