The sacrifice of an animal (in this case, a sheep), the ritual of washing oneself with the blood of the animal, and the use of the hide for healing purposes symbolise the abandonment of one's old life and old ways — and also freedom from the sins and errors committed by the person's ancestors — rebirth, and the commencement of a new journey. In Sufi poetry, the image of the lamb usually signifies submission to the will of the Shepherd, that is, to the will of God.