June 3, 2005 was the day when the marriage between people of the same sex was legalized in Spain, after the modification of the Civil Code through the Law 13/2005 of July 1. Although there were previously laws in some autonomous communities that allowed common-law marriages, it was from this day on that gay and lesbian couples could contract a 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 same-sex union that has existed.

Different types of unions between two men or two women have been known since ancient times (the former being more common), for example 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 this type of bond. It is the adelphopoiesis, or adelfopoiesis . In this article we will talk about this curious ritual.

Adelfopoiesis

Adelfopoiesis refers to a type of union recognized and practiced by the Church in which two persons of the same sex were united on both a religious and legal level . Generally, these were two men, although there are also cases of women who practiced this type of union.

Such a union committed both parties to caring for each other, sharing property, jobs and tasks and even family (so that even in the event of one’s death the other remained linked to the family of his or her partner). Just as in a conventional wedding, fidelity and an eternal union was promised until death . The adelfopoiesis thus allowed for the sharing of goods, living together, linking families, inheriting goods and even the possibility of being buried together.

Technically, the original purpose of adelfopoiesis was not to seal a union of a romantic type but rather to refer 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 and apprentice relationships or companions in arms (a rather friendly and unromantic love). Likewise, did not contemplate the existence of carnal consummation , something that did validate the marriages of the time.

But there is no doubt that the truth is that in practice he managed to get same-sex couples who loved each other in a romantic and erotic way to have a legal union.

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, an example of this being Saints Cosmos and Damien.

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 event and celebration in question was similar to those included in a wedding. The bride and groom would meet with their families in the church , and the ritual would proceed as follows:

Both bride and groom stood before the altar facing the cross, with the larger of the two standing on the left. After that, the priest (although in some cases it was not necessary, being only indispensable to inform the community) pronounced several liturgies referring to tolerance, love and respect, after which and in front of the lectern they prayed so that their union would be loving.

After that, both bride and groom committed themselves in front of the altar, tying themselves together with a belt (both inside the altar). The vows were pronounced, they received communion from the same cup and the ceremony ended with kisses between both parties. Afterwards, the event was announced in society.

Sibling or romantic interest?

The adelfopoiesis has been seen as a precursor of marriage between couples of the same sex , which being a ritual recognized by the ecclesiastical establishment has generated the confrontation between different positions on the matter. 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 meaning that the ecclesiastical institution gave at that time to this type of union as an oath of loyalty and brotherhood without any romantic or sexual connotation.

In any case, although the adelfopoiesis 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 make us think of a mental opening in this aspect that would be lost later on with the passing of the centuries.

Bibliographic references:

  • Boswell, J. (1996). Similarity marriages: same-sex unions in pre-modern Europe. Barcelona: Muchnik Editores.
  • Florenski, P. (1914). The pillar and foundation of Truth. An essay on Orthodox theodicy in twelve letters.