What Were Medieval Attitudes Towards Sex? | Medieval Pleasures

Contrary to common misconceptions, the medieval period was not entirely devoid of fun and relaxation. This paragraph discusses how medieval people had more relaxed attitudes towards obscenity and sex. It also highlights the stark contrast between the pleasurable aspects of life and the grim realities often associated with the medieval times. The narrative sets the stage for an exploration of medieval pleasure, including sex, alcohol, and sports, and how they were enjoyed in a society dominated by the Catholic Church's conservative views.

This section delves into the history of sex work during the medieval period, emphasizing its prevalence and openness. It discusses how certain streets, like Grape Lane in York, were known for their association with sex work, reflecting the straightforward naming conventions of the time. The paragraph also touches on the economic aspects of sex work as a viable means for women to earn a living in a patriarchal society. It further explores the authorities' approach to sex work, including regulations and zoning, and how these workers were often required to wear distinctive clothing to differentiate them from the rest of the populace.

The influence of the Catholic Church on medieval life, particularly regarding sexuality, is the focus of this paragraph. It outlines the Church's teachings that sex was only acceptable within marriage and for procreation purposes. The narrative describes various rules and restrictions imposed by the Church, such as prohibitions on sex during weekends, guidelines on the missionary position, and modesty expectations during sex. However, it also reveals that many, including members of the clergy, did not strictly adhere to these guidelines, indicating a disconnect between the teachings and the actual practices of the time.

This section examines the living conditions of medieval people and how they related to their sex lives. It highlights the lack of privacy in homes, with multiple people sharing the same room and bed. The narrative explores the challenges medieval people faced in finding private spaces for intimate moments, often resorting to outdoor locations or taking the risk in shared quarters. It also mentions the use of confessionals, such as the penitential by Bouchard of Worms, which included questions about the use of sexual objects, providing a glimpse into the more secretive aspects of medieval sexual practices.

The focus shifts to the sex lives of the upper class, particularly royalty, in this paragraph. It describes the grandeur of King Edward I's bedroom at the Tower of London and how such opulent beds were a symbol of privacy and status. The narrative delves into the bedding ceremony, a public event that marked the consummation of a royal marriage. It details the customs surrounding this event, emphasizing the importance of producing heirs for the continuation of the dynasty and the court's vested interest in the royal couple's sexual activities.

This section discusses the concept of courtly love, a form of romantic pursuit that often involved married women and unmarried men. It outlines the romantic gestures, such as writing love songs and poetry, and the desire to engage in non-procreative sex to avoid jeopardizing marriages and succession lines. The narrative also touches on the tension between romantic ideals and the reality of courtly love's extramarital nature, suggesting that while there were warnings against it, people still engaged in such relationships.

The final paragraph explores the bawdy and humorous side of medieval sexual culture. It describes how people from all walks of life enjoyed lewd tales and jokes, even in highbrow settings like banqueting halls. The narrative highlights examples from literature, such as Chaucer's Miller's Tale, which contains explicit sexual content and humor. It reflects on the openness of medieval society in discussing and enjoying sexual themes, contrasting it with modern sensibilities and suggesting that in some ways, the medieval period was more open about sexuality than contemporary society.