Adelfopoiesis: the medieval same-sex union

In the Middle Ages it was possible to celebrate a religious and legal marriage between two people of the same sex.

On June 3, 2005 was the day when marriage between people of the same sex was legalized in Spain, after the Civil Code was modified through Law 13/2005 of July 1. Although there were previously laws in some autonomous communities that allowed the de facto union, it would be from this day on that gay and lesbian couples could enter into legally recognized marriages.This was a historic 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 (the former being more common) have been known since ancient times, as for example in China or Ancient Rome. And even during times when homosexuality was considered bad and more persecuted, as in the Middle Ages, we can find this type of links. It is called adelphopoiesis, or adelphopoiesis.. In this article we will talk about this curious ritual.

Adelphopoiesis

The adelfopoiesis refers to a type of union recognized and practiced by the Church in which two persons of the same sex were united both religiously and legally.. Generally it was two men, although there are also cases of women who practiced this type of union.

Such a union committed both parties to care for each other, share goods, work and chores and even family (so that even upon the death of one partner, the other remained linked to the partner's family). As in a conventional wedding, fidelity and an eternal union until death were promised.. The adelphopoiesis thus allowed the sharing of goods, living together, linking families, inheriting property and even the possibility of being buried together.

Technically, the original purpose of the adelphopoiesis was not to seal a romantic union but rather to refer to a kind of adoption or legal 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 and apprentice relationships or comrades-in-arms (a rather amicable and non-romantic love). Likewise, 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 it made it possible for same-sex couples who loved each other romantically and erotically to have a legal union.

Performed over time

This ritual was maintained during the Middle Ages until practically the Modern Age.even though it was not practiced frequently. 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, being an example of this the saints Cosmas and Damian.

It is not known exactly why this ritual was stopped, although a possible explanation could be attributed to a reaction against the union between people who were romantically and sexually attracted to people of the same sex.

The ritual

The act and the celebration in question were similar to those included in a wedding. The bride and groom gathered with their families in the church, and the ritual proceeded from the church.and the ritual proceeded as follows:

Both bride and groom stood in front of the altar facing the cross, with the older of the two standing on the left. After that, the priest (although in some cases it was not necessary, 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 for their union to be loving.

After this, both contracting parties were engaged in front of the altar by tying both together with a belt (both on the inside of it). (both on the inside of it). The vows were pronounced, they received communion from the same cup and the ceremony was concluded with kisses between both parties. Afterwards, the event was announced in society.

Fraternal or romantic interest?

The adelphopoiesis has been seen as a forerunner of the precursor of marriage between same-sex couples, which, being a ritual recognized by theThis being a ritual recognized by the ecclesiastical establishment, it has generated a confrontation between different positions on the matter. In fact, authors like Boswell defend that homosexuality was accepted by the Church in Europe until the 13th century, interpreting this ritual as an example of it.

Other critical voices are against this consideration, adjusting strictly to the sense that the ecclesiastical institution gave at that time to this type of unions as an oath of loyalty and brotherhood without any romantic or sexual connotation.

In any case, although the adelphopoiesis was not seen as an element in which erotic and romantic love would take place, its appearance implies the possibility of carrying the possibility of a romantic or erotic love., its appearance implies the possibility of carrying out a union of this type, being something that can make one think of an open-mindedness in this aspect that would later be lost with the passing of the centuries.

Bibliographical references:

• Boswell, J. (1996). Las boda de la semejanza: uniones entre personas del mismo sexo en la Europa premoderna. Barcelona: Muchnik Editores.
• Florenski, P. (1914). The column and the foundation of Truth. Essay of orthodox theodicy in twelve letters.