Adelphopoiesis: The Medieval Union Between People Of The Same Sex
June 3, 2005 was the day on which marriage between people of the same sex was legalized in Spain, after modifying the Civil Code through Law 13/2005 of July 1. Although there were previously laws in some autonomous communities that allowed de facto unions, it would be from this day on that Gay and lesbian couples could enter into legally recognized marriages this being a historical milestone in our country.
However, despite the persecution that the homosexual population has suffered throughout history, it is not the first type of union between people of the same sex that has existed.
Different types of unions between two men or two women have been known since ancient times (the former being more common), such as in China or Ancient Rome. And even during times when homosexuality was poorly considered and more persecuted, such as in the Middle Ages, we can find these types of links. This is adelphopoiesis, or adelphopoiesis In this article we will talk about this curious ritual.
Adelphopoiesis refers to a type of union recognized and practiced by the Church in which united both religiously and legally to two people of the same sex Generally they were two men, although there are also cases of women who practiced this type of union.
This union committed both parties to take care of each other, share assets, jobs and tasks and even family (in such a way that even in the event of the death of one, the other remained linked to the family of their partner). As in a conventional wedding, fidelity and an eternal union until death were promised Adelphopoiesis therefore allowed sharing property, living together, linking families, inheriting property and even the possibility of being buried together.
Technically, the original purpose of adelphopoiesis was not to seal a romantic union but was intended to refer rather to a kind of legal adoption or twinning (in fact, it is known in Latin as fraternitas iurata or ordo ad fratres faciendum). . This is the case of very deep friendships, some master-apprentice relationships or comrades-in-arms (a rather friendly and non-romantic love). In addition, the existence of carnal consummation was not contemplated something that did validate the marriages of the time.
But there is no doubt that the truth is that in practice he managed to enable same-sex couples who loved each other romantically and erotically to have a legal union.
Made over time
This ritual continued throughout the Middle Ages until practically the Modern Age , although it was not frequently practiced. Although it was not very common and seems to have been practiced more in eastern territories, the truth is that it was a ritual officiated, recognized and validated by the Church and there are even saints who practiced it, Saints Cosmas and Damian being an example of this.
The exact reason why this ritual stopped being practiced is not known, although a possible explanation could be attributed to a reaction against the union between people who felt romantic and sexual attraction towards people of the same sex.
The ritual
The event and celebration in question that took place were similar to those included in a wedding. The couple met with their families in the church and the ritual proceeded as follows:
Both bride and groom stood in front of the altar facing the cross, with the eldest of the two standing on the left. After this, the priest (although in some cases it was not necessary, it being only essential to inform the community) pronounced various liturgies referring to tolerance, love and respect, after which and in front of the lectern they prayed that their union would be loving.
After that, both parties They committed themselves in front of the altar, tying themselves together with a belt (both inside it). Vows were pronounced, communion was received from the same cup and the ceremony concluded with kisses between both parties. Later, the event was announced in society.
Brotherly or romantic interest?
Adelphopoiesis has been seen as a precursor of marriage between same-sex couples , which, being a ritual recognized by the ecclesiastical establishment, has generated a confrontation between different positions on the matter. In fact, authors like Boswell argue that homosexuality was accepted by the Church in Europe until the 13th century, interpreting this ritual as an example of this.
Other critical voices are against this consideration, strictly adjusting to the meaning that the ecclesiastical institution gave at that time to this type of unions as an oath of loyalty and brotherhood without any type of romantic or sexual connotation.
In any case, although adelphopoiesis was not seen as an element in which erotic and romantic love took place its appearance implies the possibility of carrying out a union of this type, being something that can suggest an open-mindedness in this aspect that would later be lost over the centuries.
