The Claim: Disturbing Ritual in China Involving Feces and Vomit
In recent discussions surrounding extreme beliefs and practices, a claim has emerged regarding a family in China who allegedly engaged in a ritual involving the consumption of their own feces and vomit. This act was purportedly performed under the belief that they were possessed by demons, and it is said to have lasted for hours, culminating in the death of one of the daughters. This claim raises significant questions about the reliability of the sources reporting it and the broader context of such incidents.
What We Know
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Historical Context: The claim appears to be linked to a notorious incident from 2005 involving a family in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, where members reportedly engaged in violent and bizarre behaviors, including the consumption of feces, under the belief they were possessed. This incident has been referenced in various media, including the horror film "Incantation," which states it is "based on a true story" 1.
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Details of the Incident: According to a source discussing the Kaohsiung incident, the family believed they were possessed and engaged in self-harm and forced consumption of feces as part of their rituals to expel demons 7. Reports indicate that the family members accused each other of being demon-possessed, leading to a breakdown in their mental state and violent actions 9.
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Outcome: The reports suggest that the extreme actions taken by the family resulted in the deaths of two daughters, although the exact circumstances surrounding these deaths are not well-documented in available sources 18.
Analysis
The reliability of the sources discussing this claim varies significantly:
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Academic and Journalistic Sources: The article from Ohio State University discusses the cultural impact of the Kaohsiung incident and its portrayal in media, providing a critical lens on how such stories are sensationalized 1. This source is credible as it comes from an academic institution, though it does not provide detailed evidence about the specific claims of ritualistic behavior.
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Fandom and Wiki Sources: The entries from Dark Earth Universe and Rogue Universe Wikis provide narratives about the incident but lack rigorous sourcing and verification, making them less reliable for factual claims 89. These sources often reflect popular interpretations rather than established facts.
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Cultural Context: Traditional Chinese medicine and beliefs about possession may provide some context for understanding why such extreme actions could occur within certain cultural frameworks 6. However, this does not validate the specific claims made about the family’s actions.
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Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have a sensationalist agenda, particularly those that seek to draw connections between horror films and real-life incidents. This can lead to exaggeration or misrepresentation of the facts.
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Methodological Concerns: The lack of comprehensive documentation and the reliance on anecdotal accounts raise questions about the accuracy of the claims regarding the family's actions and the outcomes. More reliable evidence, such as police reports or medical records, would be necessary to substantiate the claims made about the deaths and the specific nature of the rituals.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim regarding a family in China engaging in a ritual involving the consumption of feces and vomit lacks credible evidence and is primarily based on sensationalized narratives. The origins of this claim appear to be intertwined with a historical incident from Taiwan, which has been distorted through various media portrayals. While there are references to bizarre behaviors linked to beliefs in possession, the specific details of this claim are not substantiated by reliable sources.
It is important to note that while cultural beliefs may explain certain extreme behaviors, they do not validate the specific allegations made in this claim. Furthermore, the evidence available is limited, relying heavily on anecdotal accounts and sensationalist interpretations rather than rigorous documentation. As such, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and seek out credible sources before forming conclusions about such disturbing claims.
