Clackamas people believed that sex was not just for pleasure but also had spiritual significance. According to their religion, sexual intercourse was a sacred duty between husband and wife, which helped them grow closer together spiritually and produce children. Sexual relations were considered a powerful force that united two souls into one. This unity symbolized the power of creation and renewal in nature, and it brought healing to the human soul.
To ensure that this ritual remained pure, Clackamas had many rules regarding sexual behavior.
Men and women could have sex only within marriage, and adultery was punishable by death.
Sexual activity was limited to procreation - any form of contraception, abortion, and homosexuality were forbidden because they would disrupt the natural order of things. It was believed that if a man ejaculated without impregnating a woman, his soul would wander aimlessly until he found another partner.
Clackamas couples were expected to abstain from sex during menses or pregnancy, as these periods represented fertility's absence. They also practiced coitus reservatus, where the male withdrew before orgasm to avoid losing semen outside his wife's body. This practice ensured that the couple did not engage in extramarital affairs, which could lead to impure offspring or miscarriages.
Married couples were expected to remain faithful to each other, even after their spouse died, and remarrying was discouraged. Children born out of wedlock were often abandoned or shunned, as they were seen as illegitimate and unclean. The family unit was considered the cornerstone of society, and children were raised with respect for authority and discipline, learning their place in society.
Sex was still an essential part of life, and it was celebrated through festivals and ceremonies.
Clackamas religious rules emphasized sexuality's sacredness and the power it had to bring people closer together spiritually. Their views on sexual behavior may seem restrictive by modern standards, but they served a purpose back then - to ensure that families remained intact and healthy. By following these guidelines, Clackamas believed that they were fulfilling their duty towards God and nature, creating strong bonds between themselves, their partners, and the world around them.
How did Clackamas religious rules define sexuality as sacred duty?
As a religion, Clackamas placed great importance on sexuality and viewed it as a sacred duty between married partners within the community. It was seen as a way of creating new life and continuing the lineage of the tribe. Sexual activity outside of marriage was strongly discouraged and considered sinful.