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suberic -> RE: What is branding? (2/16/2005 8:13:40 PM)
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Yeah, scarification is one way to make a permanent mark. Branding had the advantage of making the mark, and cauterizing the wound all at once. The downfall of branding is the shock that the branded goes into almost immediately.
A cut can be handled by the person cut, and some can handle several. The "shells" that some in voodoo have on their face/neck/back is ritual scarification, made by hooking the skin with basically a crochet hook, then a razor slices on the captured flesh, and that leaves a scar that looks like a shell.
Branding, from what I have seen, is done either with a hot iron with the stamp in the shape of the desired design (my CO in the army had two, one on each forearm in the shape of the the Omega, for his fraternity) and I have seen some intricate designs drawn with either a wood burning set or soldering iron (alther there is a tendancy for the flesh to stick to the iron) and I have seen a small piece of sheet metal (about one inch square) held in vicegrips and heated with a blowtorch, the edge buring the freeform design into the person being branded.
For any of these, the goal is the scar that is left, so unfortunately, while medical attention should be paid to aleviate things like the shock and other problems such as infection, not a lot can be done for the actual wound until a while has passed. Generally at least 12 hours or so. Some topical antibotics or local anesthetics can be used, but not wound care like Silvadine cream for a burn, that would fix the problem and prevent the scar.
I would HIGHLY suggest seeing a doctor's advice who is lifestyle friendly for advice, but some common sense precautions should be taken.
Aneseptic conditions (washing the tools, washing the area to be branded or scarred, cleanliness of the person performing this, a local anestetic to prevent skin and invoulentary movement), well lit working conditions, NO alcohol imbibed by the one to be done to (since it will thin the blood and allow for more bleeding) and guarenteed conscent.
I would also suggest that you keep in mind that this is permanent. I know it's obvious, but I know of many who think they want it, but forget that it's not easy to take off when the relationship ends.
Personally, I'd rather go with a tattoo. But I have also really wanted a brand at one point.
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