clipped from: news.bbc.co.uk According to those who have researched the subject, a stab wound in the buttocks may be chosen as it is seen as not likely to be life-threatening, but is humiliating and painful for the victim.
Experts believe the cultural tradition may even be linked to medieval duelling where slashing an opponent's buttocks was supposedly considered very skilful.
But being stabbed in the backside is still a serious injury, say medical professionals.
"It can damage the main nerves to the leg and cripple someone for life," says Dr Don MacKechnie from the College of Emergency Medicine.