While penile-vaginal intercourse has received the most attention from sex researchers, research also indicates that oral sex is widely practiced by many people. However, pop culture can perpetuate damaging stereotypes and stigmas about oral sex.
Fortunately, there are ways to address these issues and encourage healthy sexual practices. These include talking about oral sex, practicing safe sex, and using protection.
Ancient Egyptians
When you were in middle school, you learned about ancient Egypt – pyramids, hieroglyphs, Tutankhamun. However, you probably weren’t taught about sex in ancient Egypt.
Oral sex was not uncommon in ancient Egyptian culture. In fact, it was a part of their libido and ritual. Moreover, sex toys like dildos were found in many tombs. These sex toys served both the pleasure function and the ritual function.
Moreover, the Egyptians were very fond of their blowjobs. In fact, they viewed them as almost magical. They believed that a good blowjob could bring the gods of the underworld back to life. It was also a sign of virility and masculinity. They even had a word for “beard” that meant someone who was good at oral sex.
According to legend, the first Egyptian god, Atum, created himself by masturbating. He had no wife so he masturbated in order to beget his children Shu and Tefnut. He was also the god of fertility. Hence, he had a permanently erect phallus and wore a feathered headdress. Consequently, men with fertility and sexual problems visited temples and rubbed the god’s phallus.
Although the Egyptians practiced oral sex, it was not considered a sexual act in the traditional sense of the word. Extramarital relationships between men were frowned upon and punishable by death.
Ancient Greeks
For centuries, oral sex has been viewed as a taboo practice. In the Middle Ages, it was associated with witchcraft and devil worship, and it was believed that engaging in this activity would lead to demonic possession and other supernatural consequences. However, since the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, attitudes towards oral sex have changed significantly. Today, it is a common practice among many couples.
The Ancient Greeks were at the forefront of culture and thought, and their art is full of erotic scenes of fellatio and cunnilingus. While the word “cunnilingus” sounds like a vulgar pun, it was actually a term used by Greek playwrights to refer to homosexual and effeminate behavior. Aristophanes used this term frequently to describe his characters. For instance, he wrote, “This man (Arifades) invented cunnilingus; for he gloats in vice and pollutes his mouth with abominable pleasures.”
In ancient Greece, men could engage in homosexual relations with hetairai. Hetairai were hetaphrodites who had been abandoned as children or born to slave parents. For these women, life as a hetaira offered the only opportunity for upward social mobility. These hetairai often attended symposia, ancient Greek drinking parties, to provide sex for the participants.
In addition to homosexual and heterosexual sex, the Ancient Greeks also engaged in oral masturbation. In fact, the Kama Sutra includes an entire chapter on oral congresses. This practice was not only popular in Ancient Egypt and Greece but also spread to the ancient Romans.
Ancient Romans
For the Ancient Romans, oral sex was a taboo act that was not to be embraced. They viewed it as an unforgivable vice and a slur on masculinity. It was acceptable for noble men and soldiers to receive a blowjob but not for them to give one. In fact, blowjobs were sometimes a punishment for minor crimes like stealing potatoes from a field.
Romans would also lick each other’s lips as a sign of affection or to express sexual desire. In Pompeii, erotic frescoes depict fellatio and cunnilingus. Some scholars have also interpreted these frescoes as portraying homosexual oral sex.
However, the Ancient Romans didn’t tolerate pathici, or men who were unable to control their sexual urges. They were seen as a threat to the hegemony of the male. Writers of the time like Martial would use the word “pathicus” to insult a man who was overcompensating for his inability to control himself.
Fortunately, this image of the sexually depraved tyrant has been replaced with a more accepting attitude towards oral sex. Today, both men and women engage in oral sex consensually as part of their intimate relationships. The Kama Sutra even has an entire chapter on how to perform fellatio. But, if you’re not comfortable with this, there are plenty of alternatives. You can try using a vagina lubricant or licking your fingers instead of your lips.
Modern day
Today, oral sex is a popular sexual practice. People of all ages and backgrounds engage in it for different reasons. For example, it is a form of lubrication that can increase pleasure and intimacy during intercourse. It can also provide a non-invasive way to explore a partner’s body. Additionally, it can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and help prevent vulva abrasions.
Despite its controversial history, oral sex is widely accepted in modern society. However, some people still hold negative views about it. These attitudes are often influenced by religion and morality. As a result, some individuals may feel uncomfortable engaging in the activity. It is important to have open communication with your partner about the topic of oral sex and to respect their boundaries.
Many cultures around the world have used oral sex for thousands of years. It is often associated with spiritual and physical well-being. It can be a form of bonding, intimacy, and pleasure for both men and women. In addition, it can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
While the benefits of oral sex are numerous, it is important to remember that it should be performed with consent. It is also a good idea to use a condom or dental dam to protect yourself from STDs. In addition, sex should only be engaged in a private location that is free of distractions.
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