Pre-marital sexual behavior has been an important part of human culture since ancient times. In China, it is still regulated by traditional religions like Confucianism and Taoism, which have shaped the way people perceive sexuality and relationships. While some religions view pre-marital sex negatively, others emphasize its importance for physical and emotional health.
In Confucianism, sex is considered to be a natural and essential aspect of life that needs to be controlled within marriage. It was seen as a means to procreate and maintain family lineage, but also as something that should not be practiced outside of marriage. The ideal relationship was between husband and wife who were expected to live together harmoniously and respect each other's boundaries. Premarital sex was viewed as immoral and often punished by exile or execution.
Taoism, on the other hand, sees sexual energy as an integral part of the human body, and encourages couples to explore their desires through intimacy. It teaches that physical pleasure can be achieved through spiritual practice and meditation, without necessarily needing intercourse. This approach allows individuals to express themselves freely in all aspects of life, including romance and eroticism.
Despite these views, many Chinese people still engage in pre-marital sex. According to a study, around 70% of college students reported having had sex before marriage, with most doing so during adolescence. These behaviors are influenced by Western cultural influences, media, and changing attitudes towards sex education. They may include masturbation, pornography, casual hookups, and one-night stands.
Religious norms continue to shape how people think about relationships, even if they do not follow them strictly.
Some couples may choose to wait until marriage to have sex to preserve their purity and avoid social stigma. Others may use contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancies. In either case, religion remains an important factor in shaping people's perception of sex and its role in society.
How are premarital sexual behaviors regulated in Chinese religious traditions, and how do these norms shape romantic relationships and erotic conduct?
Religion is one of the main influences on Chinese people's attitudes towards sex before marriage. In traditional Chinese society, it was considered immoral for unmarried women to have sex, which means that they were expected to remain virgins until their wedding night. Men were also encouraged to avoid engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage but there were fewer restrictions on them than on women. The idea behind this moral code was to maintain social order and respectability.