Stigmata is when a person suffers wounds, which duplicate the wounds of Jesus, during crucifixion.  According to the Bible, Jesus suffered nail wounds to his hands and feet, a wound from a lance on his side and deep whip slices on his back. He, also, had severe cuts and scratches on his shoulder, from bearing the cross. Upon his head, he wore a crown of thorns, which deeply scratched and severely cut and gauged his forehead.

Some stigmatics have all of the wounds.   Some have only the hands or only the feet, or hands and feet, both, but not the other wounds.  Some have shown nail wounds in their wrists.  There is much debate over the historical method of crucifixion. There is much controversy over Jesus being nailed through his hands or through his wrists.  Of course, this is one reason for skepticism, as Divine wounds, one would think, would be consistent.

Most stigmatic report excruciating pain immediately before and during the stigmatic episode and a deep, heartbreaking sadness during and immediately following  the bleeding. A soft, light smell of jasmine has, also, been reported.  Some call this ' The Odour of Sanctity '.  The blood is reported to be different than that of the inflicted party. This has been suggested to be the actual blood of Christ.  The blood does not clot and remains fresh and uninfected, but the wounds heal rapidly.

There have been over five-hundred reported cases of stigmata.  Men and women, but more women and usually of the Roman Catholic faith, but not exclusively.

Some skeptics say the whole thing is psychosomatic, brought about by one's own mind.  I believe the mind is a very powerful tool and can bring forth amazing changes in health, life and living. I am baffled by stigmata. Does one's faith and powerful belief consciously or unconsciously bring it forth?  Does it happen during prayer or deep meditation?  If so, I can see how one could manifest the suffering onto themselves. Why would Jesus strike some people with the suffering that he, so painfully, endured?  I've always been fascinated by stigmata. It is another unexplained phenomena that totally intrigues me.