The concept of BDSM was introduced to a lot of people through the Fifty Shades series and we can’t thank E.L. James enough for that. However, BDSM is not a recent, millennial event.

It has been around for a long time. Even before the existence of cars, modern buildings, light bulbs and any other invention you can think of. Basically, BDSM is an ancient thing, folks.

BDSM stands for a mixture of things, namely; bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism. It includes most of the things that use whips, apparatus and definitely something you don’t want your parents to find out.

I am sure you are wondering how did it all end up being the main concept for a book series, a major porn category, etc, from ancient practice.

So, without further ado, let me give you a peek at its rich and colourful history.

WHIPS AND CANES IN ANCIENT TIMES

In Mesopotamia, the Goddess of fertility, Inanna, used to whip her subjects to arouse them. She was often showed completely adorned with jewels and whipping her worshippers to rile up in a sexual dance frenzy.

A similar culture of enjoying getting whipped and flogged is seen in ancient Romans, where sacred temples were constructed for women to whip each other in celebration for Dionysus (Bacchus).

Ancient scriptures of Kama Sutra teach the art of slapping/spanking a person along with the technique of biting and gnawing. The scriptures also mention;

“Sometimes carried away by passion, a woman puts aside her natural temperament and acts the part of the man by slapping and beating him or play fighting with him […] she at the height of excitation becomes hard and fearless and dominates.”


Also Read:- 7 Of The Most Shocking Sex Practices In Tribes Around The World


CULTURE OF BDSM THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY

The term BDSM originated in 1969, although the aspects of it were already centuries old. The amalgamation of all the three practices of Bondage- Discipline, Dominant- Submissive and Sadism and Masochism, was finally termed as one during this time.

BDSM as a practice has found its way in various forms of literature and art. Anne Nomis, a scholar and an archaeologist has given observations and findings of BDSM through various eras.

During 1500-1700 AD, a lot of erotic sexual acts that included the element of Dominatrix and flagellation were recorded in various scriptures, according to Nomis.

16th and 17th-century poets and their epigrams used erotica as their settings and touched the topic of bondage and similar aspects.

It was the 20th century that saw the peak of BDSM as a subculture. The idea of unusual sexual pleasures, kink or fetish grew vocally during the World Wars. European countries were sexually progressive, especially in Germany.

The distinct attires and physical aspects related to BDSM flourished during this time too, like: leatherwear’s, high heels, tattoos, piercing, etc. Through various sexual revolutions and marches, BDSM caught the attention of mass media.

Advertisements, movies, photography started displaying BDSM practices and elements and since then it has only moved forward and reached out to a wider audience across the globe.

Nowadays, through the internet and other resources, people can explore this culture easily. BDSM provides to one who seeks, pleasure, understanding and awareness of his or her own body.

Though it is an ancient practice, BDSM till date offers people to discover their sexual preferences, kink and embrace their own limits.


Image Credits:- Google Images

Sources:- Feeld, ObservationDeck, Ranker

Find Author:- @CherryJimin17


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