What Were Medieval Attitudes Towards Sex? | Medieval Pleasures
History Hit・2 minutes read
Medieval attitudes towards sex were more open than commonly believed, with the church imposing strict rules despite clergy often breaking them. The period was characterized by open attitudes towards sex work, privacy challenges, and a mix of pleasures like sex, alcohol, and sports, as seen in various medieval texts and traditions.
Insights
- Medieval attitudes towards sex and pleasure were more open and relaxed than commonly perceived, with activities like sex work, public sexual encounters, and humor about bodily functions being prevalent despite the Catholic Church's strict rules.
- Surviving medieval sources, such as penitentials and images, provide valuable insights into the diverse sexual practices and attitudes of the time, showcasing a society that often disregarded the church's teachings on sex while engaging in a variety of activities like impotence tests, royal wedding night traditions, and courtly love, reflecting a complex interplay between societal norms and individual behaviors.
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Recent questions
Were medieval attitudes towards sex strict?
No, they were more relaxed than commonly believed.
What insights can York offer into medieval life?
York was a significant city in medieval England, providing valuable insights.
How did the Catholic Church regulate sex in medieval times?
The Church imposed strict rules on sex, allowing it only for procreation within marriage.
Did medieval people bathe regularly?
Yes, bathing was common in medieval times.
How did medieval people view courtly love?
Courtly love emphasized non-procreative sex between married women and unmarried men.
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