血祭り
ち
ま
つ
り
Meanings
1
ritual pre-battle killing; blood offering to raise morale
Historical term for killing an enemy soldier before battle as a morale-boosting ritual. Rare in modern usage outside historical or figurative contexts.
In the Warring States period, there was a custom of performing a blood offering before battle.
2
bloodbath; violent killing
Figurative extension of the ritual sense, used for any scene of brutal killing or carnage. Often appears in dramatic or literary descriptions.
The conflict turned into a bloodbath, with many casualties.
3
jocular, humorous
Humorous slang likening menstruation to a blood ritual. Used casually among close friends; can be considered crude.
"The blood festival has started again this month," she joked.
Expressions
- 血祭りにあげるkill an enemy before battle to raise morale · kill viciously; slaughter · victimize; torment; give hell; vilify