Syncretism. It’s when two opposing forces and principles try to fuse so that a working model emerges; usually, complete fusion is impossible and what results is a different structure taken from the two disparate components.
There are many factors that go into structuring a culture’s society. Much like many post-colonial literatures from nations that were once under British rule, the sexual traditions of each culture is varied and unique. Imagine the influence of modern Western religious belief of monotheism combined with the ancient Greeks’ belief of many gods. An attempt to reconcile the two philosophies—even if it’s only half-successful—would give birth to an entirely different entity. Religion is only one aspect of a culture. Throw in the nation’s traditional garb, ethnic food, moral values, history of conquest, institutions, and you have a smorgasbord of possible sexual outcomes.
Sex, apart from other basic necessities like food and water, is what every culture has in common. Yet, each culture’s sexual practices—whether courting rituals, preference for foreplay, or the extensive use of sex toys during intercourse—don’t appear out of thin air on a whim. As much as humans are driven by the need to create—whether babies or ideas—anthropologists will tell you there are other forces at work.
Sex in Each Culture is a column designed to delve into the sexual history of a chosen culture. Some of what we discover may be old wives’ tales that turned out to be true; other facts may lead to wonderful epiphanies and just might enlighten the ordinary reader in a titillating way. Either way, the deeper we go, the more rewarding it’ll be.
|
Costa Rica: Pura Vida!
By:
Jaime Gaske
The phrase “Pura Vida” (pure life) is a common Costa Rican slang which sums up their basic attitude on life. It symbolizes the laidback mentality where friends and family are of the utmost importance and time can pass without worries. When tourists visit this friendly country, they are welcomed with open arms. Naturally, this attitude extends to the sexual culture, which is as lush and sensual in the land so aptly named the “rich coast.” Before Columbus ventured into the country, diverse groups of indigenous peoples had already established a mysterious and alluring culture.
Read Entire Article
Ghana: The Sacred and the Profane
By:
Jaime Gaske
It’s easy to be fooled by the modesty in dress, social conduct, and attitudes of Ghanaian people, but theirs is a culture that needs to be penetrated in order to find its secret sexual essence. Even with the Western influence left on their coast, Ghana is a land deeply rooted with many native sexual superstitions, taboos, and beliefs, which give its culture a unique perspective on the erotic. By blending the Christian/Islamic tradition with local custom and juju magic, sexuality is a balance of the sacred and the profane.
Read Entire Article
Iran Behind the Veil
By:
Jaime Gaske
From ethnocentric Western criticism to its own internal reforms and debates, Iran is a hotbed of controversy when it comes to the issue of sexuality. As with most other countries, matters of sexuality are shaped under the domain of either government or religion, but considering Iran has been an Islamic republic since 1979, the authoritative hand presses down quite hard on uncontrolled sexuality. However, one must keep in mind that prior to 1935, what we now call Iran was once Persia, an exotic empire that was home to one of the oldest, richest cultures in history.
Read Entire Article
Spain: How Wine, Bulls, Bicycles and Sex Fit Together
By:
Anna Kent
Spain has much to offer to the natives and to the average vacationer. It’s a fluid blend of sweeping plains, pristine beaches, ample wine country and the great Pyrenees lying in the North. The beautiful landscape is fraught with yearly festivals and celebrations of nearly every kind. In this nation of delightful wines, lavish dance, and near-constant revelry the extrovert can find a comfortable fit. In the early days of the Spanish monarchy, many festivals became ingrained into tradition and with these traditions came a firm injection of costume, dance, music and flesh.
Read Entire Article
|
