Self-immolation

Self-immolation is an act of killing oneself as a sacrifice. While usage since the 1960s has typically referred only to setting oneself on fire, the term historically refers to a much wider range of suicidal options, such as leaping off a cliff, starvation, or seppuku (also called hara-kiri; ritual disemboweling). Self-immolation is often used as a form of protest or for the purposes of martyrdom. It has centuries-long traditions in some cultures, while in modern times it has become a type of radical political protest. Michael Biggs compiled a list of 533 "self-immolations" reported by Western media from the 1950s to 2002, using the general definition (not just by fire), and including any intentional suicide "on behalf of a collective cause".

Etymology

The English word immolation originally meant (1534) "killing a sacrificial victim; sacrifice" and came to figuratively mean (1690) "destruction, especially by fire." Its etymology was from Latin immolare "to sprinkle with sacrificial meal (mola salsa); to sacrifice" in ancient Roman religion. Self-immolation "setting oneself on fire, especially as a form of protest" was first recorded in Lady Morgan's (1817) France.

Self Immolation

Self Immolation is a record label and publishing company run by J. G. Thirlwell. Originally an actual label for Thirlwell's self-released early Foetus EPs and albums, Self Immolation became more akin to a vanity label for Thirlwell's releases on Some Bizzare Records and Wax Trax! Records. Most Self Immolation releases are identified by a call number beginning with a Foetal-inspired "WOMB" designator.

Beginning in the early 90s, Thirlwell began a second personal label, Ectopic Entertainment (often shortened to Ectopic Ents). Its exact relation to Self Immolation is unclear: initially called a "subsidiary" of Self Immolation, it appears to have later wholly replaced Self Immolation. Coming full circle, Thirlwell's self-released Manorexia project is released on Ectopic Ents.

Self Immolation Releases