Be Thine: A History of Courtship Traditions
These six acts of love have not withstood the test of time
Dating is tough. But it used to be much tougher, and weirder. Whether you’re dating or not, check out these bygone courting rituals and remember that dating today isn’t as bad as it used to be.
Sacrifice n’ slap
During Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival during the first century, Romans would sacrifice a goat and dog, and then whip the women with the hides. The women willingly lined up, believing this would boost fertility.
[source]
OkCupid today: Nowadays, women who take the initiative are more likely to get what they want. In fact, straight women who send the first message are about 2.5x more likely to get a response compared to straight men.
Heart on your sleeve
At a festival honoring Juno, 5th century Roman soldiers would draw names of eligible women to see who would be their lucky bedmate for the year. Once chosen, the man would wear her name on his sleeve for the festival.
[source]
OkCupid today: 49% of people say that their actions are guided by their head, 49% say their heart, and 2% say their genitalia.
Wanna spoon?
In 17th century Wales, men would create detailed, hand-carved ‘love spoons’ for ladies they admired. If the woman accepted the spoon, the courtship was on.
[source]
OkCupid today: Here’s the breakdown of people’s favorite (physical) spooning positions: All spoons (56%), big spoon (25%), small spoon (18%), and don’t touch me (1%).
Old school sexting
In order to talk in privacy while in the presence of family members, 18th century New England couples used a courting stick, a six-foot long hollow tube that allowed them to privately exchange romantic whispers.
[source]
OkCupid today: Speaking of long things, 38% of people could do a long-distance relationship, but only if it’s less than one year.
An apple a day makes the suitors stay
In 19th century Austria, women at balls would shove apples under their armpits and dance for male suitors. Once the apples were drenched in underarm sweat, they would offer them to men they fancied. Yum.
[source]
OkCupid today: Speaking of long things, 38% of people could do a long-distance relationship, but only if it’s less than one year.
Hidden messages
In 19th century Austria, women at balls would shove apples under their armpits and dance for male suitors. Once the apples were drenched in underarm sweat, they would offer them to men they fancied. Yum.
[source]
OkCupid today: 16% of people are definitely bothered by netspeak (e.g., afk, brb, lol, rotfl, ttyl, etc.). SRSLY?
Written by Kelly Cooper. Illustrated by Daniel Schaffer.
We know you’re more substance than just selfie. Give OkCupid.com a try to connect with people as individual as you are.
