Body, Sex, Marriage: The History of Intimate Relationships in Ukrainian Traditions

Maidenly honor and promiscuous evening gatherings. Weddings and the "komora" ritual. Ubiquitous taboos and bawdy songs. The picture of what intimate relationships among Ukrainians were like makes a twofold impression if one relies solely on folk folklore. So how was it all really, and how did we make love?

In her new book, ethnologist Iryna Ihnatenko tells the story of intimate relationships in Ukrainian traditions. What men and women did Ukrainians consider beautiful and desirable, how did they meet, and what "seduction" methods did they use? What did our great-great-grandmothers wear, and how did the calendar of religious holidays affect the schedule of hygiene procedures and sex? What restrictions on intimate relationships existed even in marriage? Why were infidelities kept silent, and how were the future number of children determined by broken pots?

From the first embraces to the first wedding night, pregnancy, childbirth, illnesses, and extramarital affairs. The author describes the then-attitude towards one's own body and physicality, the peculiarities of wedding rituals and contraception, childbirth, and taboos.