Circumcision is the oldest known surgical procedure and most widely spread religious and social custom in the world. An initiatory rite of Judaism, circumcision is also practiced by Muslims, for whom it signifies spiritual purification. Although its origins are unknown, earliest evidence of the practice dates from ancient Egypt, where it is thought to have been used originally to mark male slaves. By the time of the Roman takeover of Egypt (30 BC), the practice had a ritual significance such that only circumcised priests could perform certain religious rites. In the United States, Canada, Australia and throughout the Middle East and Africa, circumcision is still performed routinely on boys from infancy to adolescence.
Circumcision is today performed on every inhabited continent and by many societies around the world. Estimates indicate that the worldwide circumcision rate is between 30%-40%. While the anti-circumcision activists may have led you to believe that circumcision is only performed in the United States, you will see this is not true as we take you for an around-the-world look at circumcision.
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