This seemingly strange action is actually seen as a way to protect executioners from a terrifying force believed to exist at the time.
In the history of feudal China, executioners were regarded as a relatively unique profession. However, in 1912, with the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the collapse of feudal society also led to the disappearance of this special occupation.
Nonetheless, even today, one can still see the image of the executioner through many Chinese films set in ancient times.
When the official throws down the execution notice, the executioner on the platform will demonstrate his special skills. The executioner picks up the large knife and gently runs his hand along the blade. Afterward, instead of immediately using the knife to behead the prisoner, the executioner turns to grab a prepared wine flask, takes a big gulp, and then spits a mouthful of wine onto the blade. Only after completing this entire ritual can the executioner begin the execution.
However, the image of the executioner in reality may not be entirely as depicted. According to historical records, there were no specific regulations regarding the appearance of executioners. They could be ordinary men, with diverse physiques and appearances.
But what few pay attention to is that before executing, executioners of that time had the habit of holding a sip of wine in their mouth and then spitting it onto the blade.
So, what is the reason behind this strange action before beheading the prisoner?
A common action of executioners.
Little-known facts about those who beheaded in the history of China
In fact, every profession has certain rules that must be followed while practicing. The profession of executioner is no exception.
In fact, these practitioners had many points to pay attention to before and after the execution. Because this is a special profession, there were naturally many taboos.
Based on the perspective of accumulating virtue and doing good, many people often view the profession of taking others’ lives, like that of an executioner, as cruel and brutal.
However, the truth is that becoming a true executioner is not easy at all. If the execution is not carried out properly, they run the risk of being sought after for revenge by the prisoner’s family.
Therefore, an executioner must undergo a very strict training process before stepping onto the execution ground.
When starting to learn the trade, they would practice chopping watermelons and wooden posts, needing to reach a level where one stroke could sever everything in half to be considered qualified to enter the profession.
Only after completing all the rigorous and arduous training steps can executioners officially step onto the execution ground.
The truth behind the act of spitting wine on the blade: A ritual that became an “unwritten law” among executioners
In addition to the aforementioned skills, ancient Chinese executioners also had to remember and adhere to many other principles. Spitting wine onto the blade before the execution was among them.
According to Qulishi, this was not a mandatory requirement, but it became an unwritten law within the executioner community at that time.
The profession of executioner, despite its violent nature, still has its own rules and rituals to ensure order and respect.
Thus, as long as they are not in special situations, executioners would perform the aforementioned action before proceeding to behead the prisoner.
In fact, the habit of holding a sip of wine and then spitting it onto the blade actually originates from the somewhat superstitious beliefs of the ancients.
Accordingly, spitting wine on the blade is essentially a form of offering. The reason executioners do this is that their profession involves taking lives, and they believe that this work is easily disturbed by spirits, and that spitting wine onto the blade will ward off any disturbances from evil spirits.
According to ancient Chinese beliefs, white liquor is believed to repel evil spirits, while rice wine can ward off malevolent forces. The executioner must mix these two types of alcohol together to maximize their effects. During the execution, the executioner first silently prays in their heart, a ritual called offering to heaven and earth. Additionally, they must offer to the blade, which involves spitting wine onto the back of the blade.
Apart from this action, it is also not difficult to notice that ancient executioners often wore red clothing and wrapped red cloth around their heads.
This habit also serves the purpose of warding off evil spirits, similar to spitting wine onto the blade, as the ancients believed that spirits feared the color red.
Therefore, these seemingly strange actions of executioners are essentially aimed at protecting themselves from spiritual forces that they believed existed.
Looking back now, the origins of these actions likely stem from various superstitious beliefs that existed in ancient feudal Chinese society.
There are many taboos in the profession of executioner; why do people still pursue this occupation? Firstly, it is a profession officially recognized by the government and carries certain official assurances. Secondly, and more importantly, the profession of executioner often comes with a high salary.
Today, the profession of executioner no longer exists. The death penalty by beheading has been abolished in most countries around the world. However, the profession of executioner remains an important part of Chinese history, and the mysteries surrounding it continue to attract many people’s curiosity.
