Blood brother

Blood brother refers to two or more men, not related by birth parents, who swear loyalty to one another. This is usually done in a ceremony where the blood of each man is mingled together (sometimes mixed together in wine and drunk by all parties). In simple terms, this is an extension of fraternization.

Related Topics:
Birth parent - Blood - Fraternization

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In Asian cultures, the act and ceremony of becoming "blood brothers" is generally seen as a tribal relationship, that is, to bring about alliance between tribes. It was practiced for this reason most notably among the Mongols and early Chinese. There is some evidence that Native Americans also did it for this purpose; not surprising considering they descended from Mongols.

Related Topics:
Asian - Tribal - Mongol - Early Chinese - Native American

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Blood brothers among large groups was common in ancient Mediterranean Europe where, for example, whole companies of Greek soldiers would become as one family. It was perhaps most prevalent in the Balkan Peninsula during the Ottoman era, as it helped the oppressed people to more effectively fight the enemy. Blood brothers were also common in Serbia, Albania and Bulgaria.

Related Topics:
Mediterranean - Europe - Balkan Peninsula - Ottoman - Serbia - Albania - Bulgaria

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It is still practiced today, but mostly as a throw-back to tribal times. Obviously, modern blood brothers do not have the security of their individual tribes at stake. It does make for poignant movie moments though.

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