Religion plays a major role in the lives of all cultural groups. Religion is rarely a topic of conversation in hospitals, but religious beliefs and practices are common sources of conflict and misunderstanding. It is believed that losing blood depletes the body's strength and provides a route for the soul to leave the body.
Blood transfusions give the opportunity for another's spirits to enter the patient's body.
Although the beliefs and associated practices vary, the concept generally includes an evil that one puts on another that causes the victim to fall ill. The motive is usually envy. In Mexican culture, for example, babies are considered weak and extremely susceptible to the power of an envious glance. Ramadan is a month of purification and fasting, and during daylight hours, Muslims refrain from food, drink, tobacco and sex. Lent is a similar period of purification, where Roman Catholics give up one of their pleasures for six weeks, often alcohol or red meat.