Branding

By Crusader1307

The practice of Branding, is the placing of a symbol or related item of recognition upon the body of another human being, by the burning of one's flesh with a metal bar or iron. The purpose of such was to identify the person as a criminal or as property (in cases of Slavery). Ancient in origins, the practice of Branding was a popular method of punishment in The Middle Ages. Although not used on Nobility, it was used with great regularity on others. Each Country had it's own “Code” when it came to the practice of Branding. Often, symbolism was used to identify a violator of a Law or Rule. Often, iron bars (bent into shapes), were heated in fire or Blazions. Upon becoming red hot, the bar was then laid again a particular (and visible), body part. The resulting would NOT kill, but would forever mark the violator of a crime (which would also identify him or her to others).

The use of Lettering (in Europe) came about in the 13th/14th Centuries. Large iron “letters” (Brands) were developed to identify the particular crime. Examples were: “A” (for Adultery), “T” (for Thief), “M” (for Malefactor), “B” (for Blasphemer) – and so forth. The practice was also applied to persons brought before a Court on a Charge. Often, a Judge would require a person to “show” that they were not previously marked (so they could assign a more serious punishment had they were). The Branding practice would carry onward even into The New World. It was excepted practice in America to mark errant wives, husbands or even Prostitutes. For criminal cases, MOST Countries outlaws the used of Branding by the mid-1820s. The practice was then seen used almost exclusively among The Slave Trade (to identify humans as ”property”).