The Ancient Greek Culture of Nudity

 

The ancient Greek culture of nudity is a long haul from the present culture of nudity in the United States. Nudity is a taboo subject for many, but in the past it was rivaled and respected. Nudity can be uncomfortable for many people, but it was a religious practice in the past. This article will discuss the ancient Greek culture of nudity.

In ancient Greece it was common for people to be nude when working or dancing. The Greeks also exercised in the nude in gymnasiums. What is not commonly noted is how the gymnasiums were also places of education, and students were required to exercises their minds as well as their bodies. The weather was usually nice enough to not wear clothes in Greece. The people of Greece were not shocked by people being nude because it was common place and accepted.

Being nude reflected the values and beliefs of the ancient Greeks because they believed that by imitating the gods they were closer to them. Exercising, education, and nudity were all a common and sacred way the Greeks paid tribute to their gods. Nudity was common in celebrations and training in ancient Greece. When a child was born the naked father would parade around holding his newborn. The nude body was a tribute to the gods, and the ancient Greeks respected and represented this ideas.

The Greeks were criticized by some for wearing little or no clothing. Although the Greeks may have received criticism, they helped form many of the common ideas on civilization. I think that the Greeks ideas on nudity are positive. I do not believe in the same gods as the Greeks, so I do not see it as a form of worship, but I think the nude body is at its most natural form and should be accepted instead of shunned, guilted, or degraded.

It is important to understand that the ancient Greeks did not walk around in the nude all the time. They wore clothing and armor in battle and when riding. Many great warriors are pictured in the nude in ancient sculptures and paintings, but they did not fight in the nude. Many ancient Greek artworks depict nudity to emphasize emotions and themes.

The ancient Greeks were nude a lot of the time. They respected nudity because it represented a closeness, tribute, and respect for their gods. The ancient Greek culture of nudity was important to the Greeks, and people should be more aware of their culture.