“But the aversion to blood might explain how it disappeared from view for centuries. The disciples knew it was sacred, but held back from handling or showing it without a direct need.”
Makes sense, but I’m still sticking with my theory of why it went missing for so many years as laid out in post 21. ;)
Your theory is good too, except it does not explain the hiatus of several centuries. Helium balloons don’t last that long.