We explain what chastity is, its meaning in marriage and what the vow of chastity is. Also, what was the chastity belt.
What is chastity?
Chastity is, according to different religions and moral codes, the rejection of sexual relations considered indecent or immodest such as, for example, premarital relations, prostitution and adultery. It is traditionally considered a virtue related to temperance, that is, resistance to temptations. People who govern their actions by chastity are known as people castes.
The term “chastity” has its origins in the Latin word castitastranslatable as “purity”, which in turn derives from the adjective castus (“pure”, or in a strict sense “cut off” or “separated” from vices).
This term was used in Ancient Rome to refer to those who were governed by traditions and what was morally acceptable, not exclusively when it comes to sex. From Christian times onwards, the term took on a stricter meaning related to sexuality and began to refer to the purity of the body, that is, the opposite of lust.
In general, in monotheistic religions such as Christianity, Judaism or Islam, sexual rectitude is extremely important, and breaches of chastity are usually severely punished. In some cases, the exact meaning of chastity can vary and refer to both appropriate sexual behavior and total abstinence from sexual practice, that is, celibacy. In all cases, chastity is linked to purity, virginity, resistance to erotic temptations and the rejection of bodily pleasures.
See also: Asceticism
Vow of chastity
People who take a vow of chastity generally commit themselves before God or some other moral principle to lead a life of celibacy. This means that reject any type of sexual or erotic life, as a way to get away from temptations and worldly pleasures, and instead embrace the values of spirituality, transcendence, and mystical enlightenment.
The vows of chastity are common in nuns, monks, priests and other religious figures who commit their entire lives to pursuing the sacred. In some religions chastity is not necessary to exercise the priestly office, while in others it is an essential requirement.
The chastity belt
chastity belts are a Renaissance invention that consisted of an iron panty or some other strong metal, with openings to allow bodily functions but provided with spikes or spikes facing outward around these openings. Its function was to prevent sexual intercourse and thus protect female chastity.
Traditionally it is assumed that they were used in the Middle Ages to guarantee the fidelity of wives or the virginity of maidens, but there is very little evidence in this regard and it is much more likely that they were used by nurses, nuns and women in general during periods of quartering. , war or everyday risk of rape, as prolonged contact with the metal would have caused illness and permanent damage to the skin. Currently they exist exclusively as sex or erotic toys.
chastity in marriage
In the case of a consummated marriage, chastity refers to fidelity to one's partner. That is to say, A chaste marriage is one in which neither spouse has sexual relations with another person but they are entirely exclusive to each other. In this sense, chastity would be synonymous with marital fidelity.
Continue with: Religious norms
References
- “Etymology of Chastity” in the Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary.
- “Chastity” in the Online Catholic Encyclopedia.
- “Chastity (human behavior)” in The Encyclopaedia Britannica.
