Xchitah

Eesh-cheet-hah

The Dragabin ritual of death to ensure the passing of one's soul to a chosen successor. When the chosen mother nears the end of labor, the body of the soul "donor" is lowered into a hot bath steeped in analgesic herbs. The subject is attended by a physician who makes incisions along the major arteries in the arms and legs. Death is swift and painless. A measure of blood is mixed with the breast milk of the mother and is given to the newborn infant as its first meal.