Why did the prophets of Baal cut themselves (1 Kings 18:28)

Context:

1 Kings 18:27-28 New International Version (NIV)
27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed.

1 Kings 18:28

ESV - ²⁸ And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them.

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