Adelfopoiesis: the medieval union between people of the same sex

June 3, 2005 was the day that same-sex marriage 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 union, it would be from this day that Gay and lesbian couples could enter into legally recognized marriage, 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 the most common), such as in China or Ancient Rome. And even during times when homosexuality was badly considered and more persecuted, as in the Middle Ages, we can find these types of links. It is about adelphopoiesis, or adelfopoiesis. In this article we will talk about this curious ritual.

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Adelfopoiesis

Adelfopoiesis refers to a type of union recognized and practiced by the Church in which joined both religiously and legally with two people of the same sex. Generally it was 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 goods, jobs and tasks and even family (in such a way that even before the death of one the other remained linked to the family of his partner). As in a conventional wedding, fidelity and an eternal union until death were promised.. The adelfopoiesis thus allowed to share goods, live together, link families, inherit goods and even the possibility of being buried together.

Technically, the original purpose of adelfopoiesis was not to seal a romantic-type union but was intended to refer to 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 relationships of teacher and apprentice or companions in arms (a rather friendly and not 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 allow same-sex couples who loved each other in a romantic and erotic way to have a legal union.

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Made 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 an officiated ritual, recognized and validated by the Church and there are even saints who practiced it, being an example of this the saints Cosme and Damien.

The exact reason why this ritual was stopped is not known, although a possible explanation could be attributed to a reaction contrary to the union between people who felt romantic and sexual attraction towards people of the same sex.

The ritual

The act and the celebration in question that were carried out were similar to those that are included in a wedding. The spouses met with their families in church, and the ritual proceeded as follows:

Both contracting parties were placed 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) he pronounced various liturgies referring to tolerance, love and respect, after which and in front of the lectern they prayed that their union was loving.

After that, both parties They were engaged in front of the altar, tying both together with a belt (both inside it). Vows were pronounced, communion was received from the same cup and the ceremony was concluded with kisses between both parties. Later, the event was announced in society.

Brotherly or romantic interest?

Adelfopoiesis has been seen as a forerunner of same-sex marriage, which being a ritual recognized by the ecclesiastical establishment has generated the confrontation between different positions in this regard. In fact, authors such as Boswell defend 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 adhering to the sense that the ecclesiastical institution gave at that time to this type of union as an oath of loyalty and brotherhood without any romantic connotation or sexual.

In any case, although adelfopoiesis it 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 regard that would later be lost with the passing of the centuries.

Bibliographic references:

• Boswell, J. (1996). Marriages of Similarity: Same-Sex Marriages in Premodern Europe. Barcelona: Muchnik Editores.
• Florenski, P. (1914). The column and foundation of Truth. Orthodox Theodicy Essay in Twelve Letters.