Erotic Hospitality in Ancient Societies
The ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern societies had a unique custom that challenged modern Western notions of private sexuality, called xenia. This tradition involved offering companionship or even sexual favors to guests during their stay at someone's house, especially in elite circles. While this may seem like prostitution today, it was actually a ritual exchange enhancing bonds between people. Erotic hospitality can be traced back to the earliest civilizations, and it became an integral part of Greek and Roman culture. It was considered essential for building social ties and promoting goodwill among aristocrats. The tradition also emphasized honor and reciprocity, where guests were expected to return the favor if they received one. In these cultures, sex was seen as sacred trust, rather than as commerce or vice.
One example of erotic hospitality is the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah. In this story, men attempted to rape two angels who were visiting Lot. Lot offered his virgin daughters instead, but the men refused and demanded their way. This shows how important it was for hosts to protect their guests and maintain their reputation through generosity. Another example is the Homeric epics, which describe eroticism as a necessary component of hospitality. For instance, Penelope entertains Odysseus' suitors by playing coy, leading them on before she ultimately rejects them all.
Erotic hospitality did not occur exclusively within noble families. Commoners could also offer sex to their guests, although this was more common in ancient Greece than Rome. However, there was a cultural distinction between prostitutes and those offering sexual favors out of generosity. Prostitution was viewed with disdain in many societies, while erotic hospitality was a way to show respect and establish relationships.
Today, erotic hospitality has largely disappeared from our modern world. We see it most clearly in Japan, where it is called "geisha," a form of entertainment that involves companionship, conversation, and sometimes sexual acts. But even in Japan, geishas are not considered whores; they provide an intimate experience that fosters connections among people. By contrast, Western society sees private sexuality as separate from public life or hospitality. We have little understanding of the historical traditions that once linked the two together.
In conclusion, erotic hospitality challenges us to rethink our assumptions about privacy, commerce, and sexuality. It emphasizes the importance of honor, reciprocity, and social bonds over individual gratification. It offers an alternative perspective on how sex can be used to build communities rather than destroy them.