Circumcision

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes some or all of the foreskin from the penis. Circumcision has alot of cultural background and is done for a number of reasons, such as ritual sacrafice or offering, health precaution, a sign of submission to a deity, a rite of passage to adulthood ( which we read in the story), a mark of defeat or slavery, or an attempt to alter sexuality. Circumcision is most popular in Muslim countries, Israel, United States, the Philippines and South Korea. It is the most prevalent in Muslim and Jewish faiths. In jewish law it is mandatory. Circumcision in some faiths is mandatory to be accepted in such a religion or faith, where as in some faiths and religions it means absolutely nothing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision