The Universal Birthmark
Everyone has or had them. Even if you think you don’t, you might just have outgrown your birthmarks. Some people are aware that the origin of birthmarks stems from either an excess of skin pigment cells or an excess of blood vessels. and there are many various types of these skin patterns, coming in creative different shapes, colors, and sizes.
They’re unpreventable and mostly unrelated to trauma during childbirth. No genetic cause has been identified behind these mysterious markings. Birthmarks aren’t exclusive to humans, but appear in animals as well.
Interestingly enough, that’s the extent in a nutshell of what scientists have uncovered. That leaves one question remaining. What purpose do they serve? Where do they even come from? How has no one figured this out yet??
Fire. Earth. Air. Water.
Naturally, as humans do, unknown properties unexplainable by science is best explained by superstitious logic. Cultures around the world have harboured many differing theories as to why these markings exist.
You Witch…
During the Salem Witch trials, people believed that birthmarks like moles or whatnot were a sufficient indication that one was a witch, and would persecute that man or woman with death because of it. Not limited to the reason for birthmarks. 200 people were accused, and 25 pitiful citizens were executed.
Maternal Cravings
European, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic cultures thought that birthmarks were the result of the mother’s cravings during pregnancy. For example, if the mother really wanted strawberries and ate them, then the child would bear some strawberry-ressembling birthmark. Somewhat similarly to Japan, they had a saying where if a mother stares into a fire, then her baby will be born with a burn mark.
Karma!
In Asian cultures, birthmarks represent injuries or karma from their past life, or a sign to help identify a reincarnated person. They could also point at an animal spirit, an astrological sign, or a red string to recognize your soulmate.
Zodiac Signs but On Your Skin
Some even suggest that birthmarks represent your personality or future, depending on their shape and location. For example, if you have a circular or oval birthmark, it can indicate a long, harmonious life with good health. And bonus points if it’s on the head because that’s the sign of a natural leader!
TLDR;
Scientists have no idea what the purpose of birthmarks is, but many cultures around the world all presume vastly different and interesting theories about them.