What are some strange historical practices that have persisted?

 Throughout history, various cultures have engaged in practices that might seem strange or unusual from a contemporary perspective. Some of these practices have persisted over time, while others have faded away. Here are a few examples:

1. **Foot Binding (China):** Foot binding was a practice in China that involved tightly binding the feet of young girls to prevent normal growth. This was done for aesthetic reasons, as smaller feet were considered more attractive. The practice persisted for centuries but was officially banned in the early 20th century.

2. **Trepanation (Various Cultures):** Trepanation involves drilling or cutting holes into the skull. It has been practiced by different cultures throughout history, often as a medical or ritualistic procedure. Some evidence suggests that trepanation was performed to treat head injuries or conditions, while in other cases, it had more mystical or spiritual purposes.

3. **Self-flagellation (Various Cultures and Time Periods):** Self-flagellation, the act of whipping or striking oneself, has been a part of various religious practices. It has been used as a form of penance or to achieve a higher state of spiritual consciousness. Some sects within Christianity and Islam, as well as certain ancient mystery cults, have practiced self-flagellation.

4. **Mummification (Ancient Egypt):** While not entirely strange given its cultural context, the process of mummification in ancient Egypt might be considered unusual from a modern perspective. It involved preserving the body for the afterlife by removing internal organs, treating the body with various substances, and wrapping it in linen bandages.

5. **Harem (Various Cultures):** The concept of a harem, where a ruler or wealthy individual keeps a group of concubines or wives secluded, has existed in various cultures throughout history, including the Ottoman Empire and ancient Persia. While not universally considered strange in the historical context, it is often viewed as culturally and socially unusual from a contemporary standpoint.

6. **Trial by Ordeal (Medieval Europe):** In medieval Europe, trial by ordeal was a method of determining guilt or innocence. This involved subjecting the accused to a physically challenging or painful experience, such as holding a red-hot iron or being submerged in boiling water. The belief was that divine intervention would protect the innocent.

7. **Cupping Therapy (Various Cultures):** Cupping involves creating suction on the skin using glass or bamboo cups. It has been practiced in various cultures, including ancient Egypt, China, and the Middle East. While it has historical roots, cupping is still used in some alternative medicine practices today.

These practices, while seeming strange to us now, were often deeply ingrained in the cultural, religious, or medical beliefs of their respective times and places. It's essential to consider historical practices within their specific contexts to better understand why they persisted.